Overloaded Trucks Blamed As New Highway Crumbles Within 24 months

ZINARA has proposed installing a weighbridge at a planned new tollgate on the Shurugwi–Mandamabwe Road after potholes appeared less than two years after the road was commissioned.

The road was officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 12 December 2024 following rehabilitation and tarring.

ZINARA regional manager Enock Masocha blamed the damage on overloaded heavy vehicles. He suggested a weighbridge be built at the proposed tollgate to curb the problem.

Masocha inspected the road last week and said he was disappointed by the potholes.

Vehicles from nearby mining companies and others bound for destinations across the SADC region are thought to be responsible for the deterioration.

“There are overloaded trucks, so there will be a weighbridge at the new tollgate. The road has potholes due to overloaded vehicles. Many mining activities are being carried out here in Shurugwi,” he said.

“The road now has potholes, and this is not usual after two years. Some trucks are coming from South Africa on SADC trips since the road is an SADC corridor.

“The damage I saw undermines road longevity and forces the government to spend money faster than it can raise it.

“If you pass through the road, you see workers from the Department of Roads patching the road.

“The weighbridge will be constructed at the same location as the proposed tollgate, about 500 meters after Musavezi Bridge, coming from Masvingo.”

The weighbridge proposal has been welcomed by Shurugwi District Development Co-ordinator Shepherd Mudhara, who said it would extend the road’s lifespan.

More: Masvingo Mirror

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