The heavy trucks moving coal and other goods along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway are already at the centre of concerns over road damage.
But in Gwayi, Lupane District, Ward 24 councillor Senzeni Sibanda says the impact of the trucks goes beyond potholes, congestion and damaged roads.
She says the growing number of trucks stopping at Gwayi Centre has also brought concerns over commercial sex and the involvement of young girls.
“Concerns have been raised over young girls engaging in commercial sex with truck drivers,” Sibanda said.
Her comments come after the issue of heavy trucks damaging the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road was raised in Parliament.
Mines Minister Polite Kambamura acknowledged that vehicles transporting coal from Hwange were putting pressure on roads.
“There are a lot of vehicles that are being used and they are damaging roads by ferrying the coal,” he told Parliament.
The problem is particularly visible along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls corridor, where trucks can be seen stopping at designated truck stops, business centres and, at times, along the highway while drivers rest.
In Gwayi, Sibanda says the concentration of trucks has created a different challenge for the community.
She said the women and girls reportedly involved in commercial sex were not all from Gwayi.
“They also come from Lupane, Cross Dete, Jotsholo and Lupote,” she said.
According to Sibanda, some arrive later in the day when trucks have stopped for the night.
“Some come into the area in the evening to engage in commercial sex,” she said.
The councillor said the community had previously sought intervention when the number of trucks stopping in Gwayi reportedly reached about 60.
“When we sought intervention, about 60 trucks were reportedly stopping at Gwayi,” she said.
But Sibanda said authorities had explained that truck drivers could not simply be prevented from stopping because they are required to rest when fatigued.
“The law does not allow authorities to stop trucks from parking,” she said.
“The law allows truck drivers to pull off the road and rest when fatigued.”
This, she said, has left the community dealing with what she described as growing social problems around the truck stops.
“This has contributed to growing social problems in our community,” Sibanda said.
Asked to specify the concerns, she said:
“There are many commercial sex workers in the area.”
She was then asked about the ages of those involved.
“Even young girls are becoming involved,” she said.