Sesame Bridge in Gokwe South Collapses Again: A Call for Better Infrastructure Management 

Gokwe, South Zimbabwe – The Sesame Bridge, a vital link in Gokwe South District, has collapsed once more due to heavy rains, just two years after its reconstruction by the Ministry of Transport.

This latest incident raises urgent questions about the quality of infrastructure and the management of public works in the region.

A Repeated Tragedy

The bridge was destroyed on January 27, 2025, after severe rainfall battered the area, leading to significant flooding.

Jabulani Gute, CEO of the Gokwe South Rural District Council (RDC), confirmed the collapse, attributing it to the absence of gabions—wirework containers filled with rocks or concrete that stabilize structures and prevent erosion.

“The bridge was weak because it didn’t have gabions,” Gute stated, emphasizing that this oversight contributed to its vulnerability.

The collapse of Sesame Bridge has not only cut off access for local communities but also raised alarms about ongoing infrastructure challenges in Zimbabwe.

In addition to Sesame Bridge, the Manhede Bridge in Mapfungautsi Constituency also sustained damage but is expected to be temporarily repaired.

Impact on Local Communities

The destruction of Sesame Bridge has serious implications for residents who rely on it for access to essential services.

With the bridge now closed until after the rainy season, travellers are forced to seek alternative routes, complicating transportation and disrupting daily life.

Gute noted that assessing the full extent of the damage is currently impossible due to flooding, which hampers efforts to create a bill of quantities (BOQs) for repairs.

“We have recorded several rainfall-related challenges in our area,” he explained. “Sesame Bridge was washed away again due to heavy rains and the lack of proper reinforcement during its construction.”

Local residents have expressed their frustration and concern over repeated infrastructure failures. The bridge is crucial for connecting communities and facilitating trade between Gokwe North and South.

A Broader Issue: Infrastructure Quality and Accountability

The recurring collapse of Sesame Bridge highlights a troubling trend in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure management.

Reports have surfaced indicating that some contractors engage in substandard work while misappropriating funds allocated for public projects. This raises critical questions about oversight and accountability within government contracts.

Madron Matiza, Member of Parliament for Gokwe-Sesame Constituency, lamented the neglect of the bridge despite warnings from residents about its potential vulnerability during heavy rains.

“What pains me is that we knew this would happen if we experienced floods,” he stated. “Signs were there for everyone to see.”

The Need for Improved Engineering Standards

As communities grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, there is an urgent need for enhanced engineering standards and practices in infrastructure projects across Zimbabwe.

The government must prioritize investing in durable construction methods that can withstand extreme weather conditions, particularly as climate change continues to exacerbate weather patterns.

In light of these events, local authorities and citizens alike are calling for a collaborative approach to infrastructure development—one that involves community input and rigorous oversight to ensure that public works meet safety standards.

A Call to Action

The collapse of Sesame Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present within Zimbabwe’s infrastructure system.

As Gokwe South faces ongoing challenges related to flooding and transport access, it is imperative that authorities take immediate action to address these issues.

Investing in robust infrastructure not only enhances connectivity but also supports economic development and improves the quality of life for residents.

The time has come for a comprehensive reevaluation of how infrastructure projects are planned, executed, and maintained in Zimbabwe—ensuring that tragedies like the collapse of Sesame Bridge do not occur again.

Mirror