By Sifelani Murambiwa.
Zimbabwe. (News of The South) – Chairperson of the Chiredzi District Civil Protection Union Mrs Clara Muzenda on Monday said the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure development will next week assess and register all boats operating at Chilonga Bridge in Chiredzi.
Addressing villagers during the District’s Civil Protection Unity Awareness Campaign Mrs Muzenda said boats are the temporary solution to the perennial flooding at Chilonga Bridge.
Mrs Muzenda who is also the Chiredzi District Administrator said the move to have boats registered and licenced is a measure out in place to officialise the use of the boats at the river.
“We thank you for providing your boats as alternative sources of transport to help us cross Chilonga Bridge during the rainy season. However, officials from the Ministry of Transport will come to assess your operations whilst they have your boats registered. Just like motorist there is a certain amount which you must pay as a registered boat owner,” said Mrs Muzenda.
She said the officials would also trainee them on emergency responsiveness and how to protect passengers in the event of an accident
“You will also receive training on emergency responsiveness in the event on an accident. You have to sail wearing life saving jacks and this would minimise the risk of drowning in the event of an accident. We will also access the demand of the boats after the registration and see if we ca add more so that the demand and supply would be equivalent,” said Muzenda.
More than 200 people cross using boats at Chilonga as they visit Chiredzi their service centre.
The unavailability of a high bridge has seen villagers from the Southern parts of Chiredzi going for more than 3 months facing a flooded river.
Chiredzi Rural District Council last week said more than US$6 million is required for the construction of a high bridge at Chilonga.
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