By Rex Mphisa
TRAFFIC from South Africba bound for the northern regions of Mozambique, north of the Limpopo River in that country, are transitting through Beitbridge, it has been established.
This is due to extensive floods-induced damages on the roads from Maputo to the north.
The Limpopo River is largely responsible for the floods that have affected Gaza province bordering Masvingo and Matabaleland provinces of Zimbabwe.
Zimborders General Manager Nqobile Ncube confirmed the presence of Mozambique bound traffic coming through the Beitbridge Border Post.
“This could all be about some Mozambican areas which connect Mozambique and South Africa being flooded. Remember there has been heavy floods in Mozambique of late so there is a higher probability that some access areas they need to go through are flooded therefore the only entry would be via Zimbabwe,” he said.
A shipping agent at Beitbridge said they his office received a bit of business from new Mozambican clients driving from Beira to South Africa.
A report from Mozambique said the N220 road, vital for connectivity between the southern and northern regions of the country, has been temporarily closed for preventive works after a major defect was identified that could worsen traffic conditions and lead to long queues.
The report quoted Gaza provincial delegate of the National Roads Administration (ANE), Jeremias Mazoio, an eroded section was found beneath the road base which, with the circulation of heavy trucks, could increase deterioration and create constraints on the road.
He said there was no road cut or bridge collapse but an unstable ground below the road surface that needed immediate attention.
Late reports on Friday said the road N220 between Chissano and Chibuto, in Gaza province, had just reopened to all types of vehicles following the repair of damages identified earlier.
The National Roads Administration, ANE, IP, urged all drivers to exercise caution while driving and to respect all signage placed along the route, as traffic remains restricted due to ongoing works on site.
But the notice had caught some drivers almost near Beitbridge and returning would be expensive.
Transit traffic through Zimbabwe increases revenue into the country and it also boosts business for highway sited traders and those in the food industry.