Concerns mount over massive crack on Beitbridge-Gwanda Highway
Motorists using the Beitbridge-Gwanda Highway have expressed growing alarm over a substantial crack that has emerged at the 141km mark. Reports suggest that the crack may have been caused by illegal gold panners who allegedly dug tunnels beneath the highway, compromising its stability.
A widely circulated social media alert, originating from Matabeleland South province, featured a series of photos and a video showcasing the extensive crack spanning the width of the road. The footage also revealed what appeared to be an entrance to an underground tunnel merging with the crack.
“We have a very bad situation on the road servitude. Illegal gold miners have tunnelled underground across the road at chain age (sic) 141 along Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road,” said a statement whose origins could not be verified.
“As a result, a crack that runs across the road has emerged. We are consistently monitoring the situation for the safety of motorists. If it gets worse, we may be forced to close the road.”
The Beitbridge-Gwanda Road is a critical transportation route, accommodating numerous vehicles daily, including heavy haulage trucks. Notably, during the festive season, it experiences heightened activity as thousands of Zimbabweans working in South Africa return home.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Matabeleland South provincial roads engineer, Mangisi Nkomo, proved unsuccessful at the time of reporting.