shloboe boe
Nqobile Bhebhe, nqobile.bhebhe@chronicle.co.zw
TORRENTIAL rains have swept across Zimbabwe, bringing a welcome reprieve to farmers after a devastating dry spell in December.
As crops and livestock begin to recover, optimism is rising in the agricultural sector.
However, the rains have also unleashed chaos on the rail network. Washouts have ravaged key routes, forcing the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) to temporarily close the South East Line, including the Rutenga-Mbizi and Rutenga-Beitbridge sections.
NRZ public affairs manager Andrew Kunambura confirmed that rehabilitation work is nearing completion, and plans are in place to reopen the routes.
The persistent rainfall has caused extensive damage, impacting 360 metres of track on the Rutenga-Mbizi section and 120m on the Rutenga-Beitbridge line.
Climate change has brought unusually high precipitation to these regions, which are typically prone to drought. The area’s topography has exacerbated the situation, making it highly susceptible to washouts.
Fortunately, no injuries or damage to rolling stock have been reported.
“The heavy rainfall has overwhelmed existing drainage structures. Areas severely affected include the Rutenga-Mbizi section where 360 metres of track were washed away, and also a section along the Rutenga-Beitbridge line where 120 metres of track were washed away, with gullies reaching two metres in depth in some areas,” said Kunambura.
While NRZ has encountered similar challenges in the past, this situation presents the most severe disruption to date.
“These areas typically receive below-average rainfall annually. However, due to climate change, they are now experiencing unusually high rainfall. The region’s natural topography makes it highly vulnerable to such incidents. Although we have faced similar challenges in this corridor over the past few years, including on the Mozambican side, this washout is the most severe we have encountered.”
This week, infrastructure teams have been working diligently to restore the track for safe train operations, with the affected section remaining closed until repairs are completed.
Wagons carrying ballast and quarry fines from the Nalatale Quarry Mine in Shangani are currently en route to the sites.
NRZ is utilising the Nalatale Quarry Mine near Shangani to produce its own ballast stones for internal use and to supply its value chain customers.
Meanwhile, in its situation report on rainfall-induced and drowning incidents across the country, the Civil Protection Unit’s national directorate reported that two middle-aged men were marooned along the Runde River, near Citrus Plantation, Section 10, in Chiredzi, Masvingo Province.
“The District Civil Protection Committee is swiftly assembling a rescue team to respond to this emergency and ensure the safe evacuation of the stranded individuals,” the report stated.
It also reported that on January 11, Muponjane Primary School in Zvishavane was severely impacted by a devastating storm, resulting in significant infrastructure damage.
The disaster resulted in the roofs of four classrooms collapsing and repair costs have been quoted at US$8 120. This incident has further exacerbated the existing classroom shortages at the school.
According to the CPU, 15 people have lost their lives since the start of the 2024/25 rainfall season.
Three deaths occurred in Masvingo, Mashonaland East, and Mashonaland West provinces, while two were in Manicaland and Matabeleland North provinces respectively, and Midlands and Matabeleland South each recorded one fatality.
