Binga – What should have been a season of celebration became a gruelling ordeal for motorists and passengers in Binga District, as relentless rains crippled the already fragile road network, severing communities and stranding families during the critical festive travel period.

The member of parliament for the area, Fanuel Cumanzala raised the alarm over the deteriorating state of key roads, highlighting how the downpours have exposed chronic maintenance failures.

“The rains have worsened an already fragile network,” he stated. “Binga’s potential for tourism, fishing, and trade is being completely cut off.”

Major Arteries Become Mud Traps

The Cross Dete–Binga Centre road, the district’s main gateway, is now a muddy, potholed quagmire, with vehicles taking hours for trips that normally take minutes. Public transport has collapsed, forcing passengers to walk long distances with their luggage.

Similarly, the Karoi–Binga road is plagued by waterlogging and damaged sections, leaving motorists stuck overnight.

“This is unsafe, especially for women, children, and the elderly,” Hon. Cumanzala emphasized.

Remote Communities Isolated

The situation is dire on feeder roads like Gwai–Lusulu and Kariangwe–Lusulu, where severe erosion and damaged bridges have cut off villages. Access to clinics, markets, and family gatherings was severely hampered, causing shortages and spiking prices for basic goods.

“People struggled to access markets, health care centres and family gatherings were affected. Prices skyrocketed because of this,” he said.

A Wake-Up Call for Action

Cumanzala issued an urgent call for grading, regravelling, and long-term upgrades to all-weather standards.

“The suffering this season is a wake-up call. For Binga, proper roads are a necessity for development, safety, and dignity—not a luxury,” he asserted.

As the rains continue, the district remains in a state of accessible limbo, with hopes pinned on swift intervention to reconnect one of Zimbabwe’s most strategic yet isolated regions.

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