Teachers in marginalized Chiredzi South are struggling to access their salaries and return to their schools after the Chilonga Bridge was washed away by floods, severing a vital transportation link to the nearest town.
The collapse of the Chilonga Bridge has not only isolated the community but also disrupted the education of hundreds of vulnerable students, as teachers have been unable to reach their classrooms.
In an interview with Bustop TV, Letitsia Chitambo, an affected teacher, reported being stranded in Chiredzi town, unable to find transportation back to Phukuphela, where she works.
Phukuphela is approximately 100 km from Chiredzi town.
Chitambo explained that limited vehicles travel to her area, and they are forced to take significantly longer routes, exacerbating the problem. She recounted a grueling journey, leaving Phukuphela last Friday and only arriving in Chiredzi on Monday, after her vehicle became mired in mud and floodwaters, leaving passengers stranded for days.
She remains stranded in Chiredzi town due to the lack of transportation and the destroyed bridge.
“I have been stuck in Chiredzi since Sunday. I left the school (Phukuphela) on Friday last week and only arrived in Chiredzi on Sunday. We now have to use a longer route instead of the shorter one, as the bridge was swept away, and we cannot find transport. The situation on the ground is very difficult. I have already missed a week of school due to this, and the children have also missed a whole week of learning. I cannot afford to stay at the school without food.”
Chitambo also highlighted the financial strain, as her already meager salary is quickly depleted by additional travel and accommodation expenses.
“Now, I have to pay over R600 (about US$35) just for transport. During these days, I also need to eat and find accommodation, which I have to pay for, and my salary is already finished.”
She added that some months, teachers forego collecting their salaries due to the prohibitive travel costs.
Chilonga residents report that the bridge was washed away in January, and the situation remains unchanged.
This situation underscores the urgent need fIor government intervention, as similar challenges persist in many rural communities across Zimbabwe.
