Sesame Bridge, located in Gokwe South District, Midlands Province, was recently destroyed again by heavy rains, just months after it was rebuilt by the Ministry of Transport following similar weather damage in December 2023.
Jabulani Gute, the CEO of Gokwe South Rural District Council (RDC), confirmed the destruction on Monday, citing the lack of gabions as a major factor contributing to the bridge’s collapse. Gabions—containers filled with materials like rock, concrete, or soil—are commonly used to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion.
Gute also mentioned that the nearby Manhede Bridge in Mapfungautsi Constituency suffered partial damage, though it remains repairable for the time being. He expressed concern about the ongoing challenges caused by heavy rainfall in the region and acknowledged that the lack of gabions in the repairs of Sesame Bridge weakened the structure.
“The rainfall has caused significant issues in our area,” Gute said. “Sesame Bridge was washed away once more due to the heavy rains, and the absence of gabions during the repairs made it more vulnerable. Manhede Bridge has also sustained some damage, but it’s temporarily fixable.”
The destruction of Sesame Bridge has raised concerns over the quality of infrastructure and engineering practices in the country. Over recent years, there have been reports of contractors cutting corners or misappropriating funds, which has contributed to substandard repairs and infrastructure failures.
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