By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
BEITBRIDGE residents are concerned about persistent infrastructure failures at Beitbridge’s main bus rank where sewer bursts have become the order of the day.
Residents believe the recurrent sewer bursts pose a threat to public health and expose municipal accountability.
Raw sewage is spilling into public spaces and drainage channels near the town’s busiest transport hub.
The latest failure has reignited concerns over the municipality’s capacity to manage essential infrastructure, despite recent upgrades touted by local authorities.
The foul smelling water is running through roadside channels, with visible litter and debris contaminating the flow.
A tipped over cart and blocked culverts near the drainage system added to the chaos, as commuters and vendors scrambled to avoid the polluted runoff.
The spill has affected pedestrian access and raised fears of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
This incident comes less than a month after Beitbridge Municipality have fixed the same area ,some residents says the rank area remains a hotspot for frequent bursts and blockages.
Vendors and other people doing their businesses near the bus rank expressed frustration over the repeated disruptions.
“We’ve raised this issue many times. The smell is unbearable, and it’s bad for business,” said Tariro Moyo, a fruit seller at the rank.
Residents are urging Beitbridge Municipality to fast track pipe replacements, enforce waste disposal regulations, and improve emergency response to sewer bursts.
With the town’s population and transit traffic continuing to grow, many fear that without decisive action, the situation will only worsen.
In a communique made last week Beitbridge mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta acknowledged the surge in sewer blockages and confirmed that teams were on the ground addressing the issue.
“As previously highlighted, the Office of the Mayor believes we should explore other options in our drive to clear the sewer backlog,” said Mafuta.
“In that regard, the relevant senior management has been tasked to look into this and provide alternative interventions.”
As Beitbridge grapples with recurring infrastructure failures, residents and stakeholders alike are demanding sustainable solutions not just temporary fixes to safeguard public health and restore confidence in municipal services.