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Raymond Jaravaza, raymondjaravaza@gmail.com
MR Thomas Chauke witnessed a near-fatal accident when a Honda Fit driver lost control and plunged into a ditch while trying to avoid an abandoned burst tyre at Cross Jotsholo Business Centre.
The driver, en route to Victoria Falls along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, survived without life-threatening injuries. According to Mr Chauke, the airbags likely saved the driver’s life.
“The vehicle hit a tree, swerved, and fell into a ditch. Another motorist rushed the injured driver to a nearby clinic,” said Mr Chauke.
Abandoned burst tyres along the highway have of late become a common hazard for villagers near Cross Jotsholo Business Centre.
“Haulage truck drivers frequently leave burst tyres on the road after replacing them. I’ve personally dragged several tyres off the highway. Two months ago, another driver almost died while trying to avoid a tyre left behind,” said Mr Chauke.
Truck driver Mr Andrew Musungo, who transports coal from Hwange to South Africa, said tyre bursts are unavoidable, especially in summer when temperatures soar.
“My truck has four spare wheels, and I rarely make a trip without changing one or two tyres. The bad state of the road worsens the situation,” he said.
The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, particularly from Lupane to Hwange, is riddled with potholes and sections that are nearly impassable. Haulage trucks, primarily from mining companies, contribute significantly to the road’s deterioration.
Mr Musungo said abandoned tyres worsen the situation.
“Drivers already struggle with potholes. Leaving burst tyres in the middle of the road turns driving into a nightmare,” he said.
Petros, another truck driver, highlighted the challenges of changing tyres in sandy areas like Lupane.
“If we pull off the road, our trucks get stuck in the sand. Companies won’t pay to tow them out, so we change tyres on the highway. Unfortunately, some drivers leave the burst tyres behind,” he said.
The coal mining town of Hwange is home to numerous companies, including Zimberly Coal Mine, Zambezi Coal and Gas, and Makomo Resources. These companies rely heavily on haulage trucks to transport coal, copper, and other materials, increasing the volume of trucks on the highway.
Mr Enos Rambanepasi, a haulage truck industry player, stressed the need for responsible disposal of burst tyres.
“Abandoned tyres are not just a road hazard but an environmental issue. Pieces can wash into rivers, causing pollution. My drivers are instructed to load burst tyres back into their trucks for proper disposal,” he said.
Mr Rambanepasi urged industry players to educate drivers about the dangers of leaving tyres on highways.
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