In the community

Heavy rains worsen condition of Binga’s poor road network

Published

4 hours ago

March 27, 2026

BY STAFF REPORTER

Communities in Binga are facing worsening road conditions after heavy rains damaged key routes, prompting urgent calls for rehabilitation and government intervention.

Binga South legislator Fanuel Cumanzala said several major roads in the district have been severely affected by incessant rains, disrupting transport and access to essential services.

He cited the Karoi-Binga Centre Road, Binga Centre-Cross Dete Road, Kariangwe-Lusulo Road, and Gwai-Lusulo Road as critical routes in need of urgent attention.

“The state of these roads is now a serious concern for our communities as they are no longer easily accessible,” Cumanzala said

“People are struggling to reach markets, health facilities and schools due to the damage caused by continuous rains.”

Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona said the Karoi-Binga Road, a 192-kilometre inter-provincial route linking Mashonaland West to Matabeleland North, has only 62 kilometres surfaced, with the remaining 130 kilometres gravel.

He said plans were underway to upgrade the gravel sections.

Mhona added that the Karoi-Binga-Cross Dete Road has been earmarked for rehabilitation under a Public-Private Partnership, with an investor’s expression of interest currently under consideration.

On the Kariangwe-Lusulo and Gwai-Lusulo roads, he said ongoing works are focused on repairing rain-damaged structures.

“Contractors working along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road have also been engaged to attend to nearby damaged structures,”Mhona said.

“As a ministry, we will continue assessing the situation and submit funding requests for full rehabilitation as a long-term solution.”

He noted that several roads in Binga District have outlived their lifespan and require urgent rehabilitation, adding that upgrading costs have been calculated and projects will be implemented gradually as funds become available.

In the meantime, he said the ministry will continue routine maintenance efforts such as re-gravelling and pothole patching in collaboration with local stakeholders.

“We are committed to improving the road network in Binga to enhance access to markets, healthcare and education facilities while ensuring long-term sustainability of the infrastructure,” Mhona said. Source: Southern Eye

In the community

Speaker proposes national hotline for flood-prone districts like Tsholotsho

Published

4 hours ago

March 27, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The National Assembly recently held an urgent debate on the state of national disaster preparedness, with lawmakers warning that the current lack of resources at the district level is costing lives

During the session, Clemence Chiduwa presented a somber report on a tragedy in Zaka South where two men died after being marooned for twelve hours following the capsizing of their boat . Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, he told the House, “The loss of life in Zaka South was not a local tragedy; it is a national warning as this is also happening in other districts”

Chiduwa argued that the failure of local units to respond quickly is a symptom of broader underfunding and lack of equipment, stating, “It reminds us that the disaster response delayed is disaster response denied”. He further observed that “institutions without tools cannot save lives,” calling for the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) to be adequately resourced with the machinery and financial support necessary for timely road and bridge rehabilitation.

Addressing these concerns, the Speaker of Parliament reminded the members that the state must utilize its existing resources, particularly the military’s air capabilities which have proven effective in the past.

The Speaker specifically highlighted previous successful interventions, noting, “The helicopters from the army are always ready to come in and they have done so in the past, especially during Cyclone Idai and also when there were floods in Tsholotsho”.

To improve response times in flood-prone areas across Matabeleland North, the Speaker proposed the implementation of a national emergency line. He suggested that “what we need to really push for is hotline availability to all districts, if not all wards, so that as soon as they experience that, they phone that hotline straight to headquarters and the army will react accordingly”. This initiative aims to ensure that communities like Tsholotsho can bypass local infrastructure failures and receive immediate military assistance during future flood events.

In the community

MPs question poor radio, TV coverage in Mat North

Published

4 days ago

March 23, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Concerns over limited access to national broadcasting services in Matabeleland North Province were raised in Parliament.

MP Discent Bajila of Emakhandeni-Luveve constituency asked the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services:

“To explain why national radio and television coverage remains poor or non-existent in parts of Gokwe North District, Matabeleland North Province, Matabeleland South Province, and nearby districts, and to indicate whether there are any digital signal expansion plans in place before 2026.”

In a separate question, Joseph Bonda for Hwange East Constituency raised concern over weather information gaps in Hwange:

“Why the weather forecast for Hwange is not broadcast, given that it is a resort with municipal status and significant business activities.”

No responses were recorded.

In the community

MP press govt on Binga hospital, mortuary crisis

Published

1 week ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Members of the Parliament of Zimbabwe have raised concern over the state of health services in Binga District, questioning delays in upgrading key facilities.

Binga South MP, Fanuel Cumanzala asked the Minister of Health and Child Care:

“Whether there are any plans to rehabilitate Binga District Hospital to make it suitable for a nursing school, as earlier announced by the government.”

He further queried:

“Whether there are any concrete plans to permanently resolve the challenges faced by Binga District, particularly regarding the mortuary, which has not been fully operational for a long time.”

In a follow-up question, the legislator pressed government on broader service delivery gaps:

“What measures are being taken to improve healthcare services in Binga District, particularly in rural areas.”

“What measures are being implemented to reduce incidence of malaria and waterborne diseases in the Zambezi Valley.”

“Whether there are any plans to upgrade and expand healthcare facilities in Binga District in light of population growth and increased economic activity.”

No response was recorded in the proceedings