By Patience Gondo
Beitbridge Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola has said municipal engineers will carry out a full assessment of damaged roads and infrastructure once the ongoing rains subside as the town grapples with flooding that has disrupted transport, business and public services.
“Once the rains stop, we will be doing an assessment to see areas that have been heavily affected. Once that is done, we will be getting our grader to rehabilitate all roads that were badly affected,” Ramakgapola said.
He said the persistent rains had also washed away sewer pipes at Wamlala river crossings, creating an urgent need for repairs.
As a permanent solution, the municipality plans to install GI (steel) pipes at the affected crossings to withstand future flooding.
Addressing recurring flooding at the old rank area, Ramakgapola said the long term solution lies in urban renewal. He said the local authority is already engaged in the tendering process for feasibility studies that will guide future works in the area.
The municipal update comes as Beitbridge District has been placed on high alert following warnings of continuous rainfall over the past four days, with Matabeleland South among provinces expected to receive excessive rain.
Responding to a weather update issued by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Beitbridge District Civil Protection Committee chairperson Mrs Sikhangazile Mafu said the district had activated preparedness measures to respond to possible flooding and related emergencies.
“In cases of floods or any related emergencies we shall use churches as evacuation centres,” Mafu said.
She said residents should prioritise safety as the rains persist, particularly vulnerable groups.
“Always keep safe and remain indoors, especially children and the elderly. Avoid parking vehicles under trees or old buildings and do not attempt to cross flooded rivers,” she said.
Civil Protection authorities have also appealed to members of the public to assist by reporting any road and bridge damage across the district. Residents have been advised to identify affected locations and share pictures or videos, with incidents to be reported promptly on 0775943165, 0773682767 or 0778085546.
Authorities said they remain on high alert, with churches designated as evacuation centres should the situation worsen.
In Beitbridge flooding has already been recorded in known high risk zones, including Dulibadzimu Stadium and the Rank hostels area. The situation has disrupted economic activity, with business at Rank Market coming to a standstill after streams of water flowed through trading spaces.