The Skyline to Chimanimani Road Collapse

The Chimanimani area has been experiencing heavy rains since the beginning of the rainy season. In the early hours of 30 January 2021, a small river changed its course upstream after an existing culvert was blocked by debris. This resulted in water undermining the road just before the culvert, causing a section of the Wengezi Chimanimani road to collapse at the 69km peg. A ditch that is an estimated 3m deep and 3m wide, and impassable to traffic, was created. Preliminary investigations indicate that the collapse may also have been aggravated by an underground stream.

It is with sadness that we also inform you that a motorist travelling in the early hours of the morning of 30 January 2021, unaware of the state of the road, drove into the ditch and regrettably passed away. Our condolences go out to the family.

Masimba Holdings Limited carried out extensive rehabilitation works on the Skyline Chimanimani road following damages caused by Cyclone Idai in 2019. The scope of the contracted works on the affected section was confined to resealing.

Meanwhile, we have mobilised equipment to open a detour to allow vehicles to pass while we carry out repair works as per the Department of Roads engineering designs issued on 30 January 2021.

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For further information, please contact:
Pearl Mutiti
pearl.mutiti@masimbagroup.com

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