By Patience Gondo
The Government has introduced dedicated provincial hotlines for reporting urgent road defects as road conditions in Beitbridge West continue to deteriorate, leaving communities cut off and public transport disrupted following persistent heavy rains.
In a statement on Monday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Adv. Felix Mhona said the Ministry has established hotlines in all provinces to enable members of the public to directly report damaged roads requiring urgent attention.
Beitbridge falls under Matabeleland South Province, where urgent road defects can now be reported to the Provincial Roads Engineer M. Nkomo, on 0783 499 271.
The move comes amid growing frustration in Beitbridge West, where several roads have become nearly impassable due to deep potholes, washed-away surfaces and waterlogged sections caused by ongoing rains.
The situation has severely disrupted daily life in rural communities that rely heavily on public transport to access schools, clinics and markets.
Speaking to the Ziyah News Network during the Dulibadzimu Cottage Tour, Beitbridge West legislator Hon. T. Ndou said the road linking Beitbridge town to Shashe is among the worst affected.
“The bus that services the Shashe route has stopped operating because parts of the road are now badly damaged and unsafe,” Ndou said.
The poor state of the roads has raised serious safety concerns, particularly for children, the elderly and expectant mothers who depend on reliable transport for essential services.
Mhona said citizens should actively participate in road maintenance efforts by promptly reporting urgent defects on regional, primary, secondary and tertiary roads.
“Prompt reporting enables faster response, efficient allocation of resources and prevents minor issues from becoming serious hazards,” Mhona said.
He further said improved road infrastructure remains central to the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that no community, including remote areas .