AN ambulance driver from Mt Selinda navigates a treacherous road to deliver a heavily pregnant woman to urgent medical care in Chipinge town.
He encounters an almost impassable route marred by enormous potholes and gaping gullies.
The relentless rains have transformed the path into a muddy quagmire, rendering the vehicle immobile in the thick sludge.
Despite the driver’s valiant efforts to manoeuvre through the perilous terrain, the delays prove catastrophic.
Tragically, due to the extended journey and worsening conditions, the woman succumbs to maternal death before reaching Chipinge District Hospital.
This incident shines light on the urgent need for roads improvements in rural areas — factors that are often overlooked yet critically influence health outcomes and save lives.
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But in a game-changing initiative, galant and dedicated villagers in Wards 15 and 19 of Chipinge South constituency have become their own heroes.
They came together in a community-led drive to rehabilitate the area’s major road networks, a move intended to improve infrastructure, ease traffic flow and revive local economic activity.
The roads being repaired link key localities including Musirizwi, Chako, Jersey, Tafara, Zona Mundanda and Muzite.
Historically plagued by potholes and poor drainage during heavy rains, these routes have for years posed serious challenges for commuters, business operators and farmers.
During the rainy season, water accumulation and slipperiness always make travel hazardous, often leading to accidents and vehicle damage.
At times, the roads are almost impassable, hindering mobility and economic activity.
Joseph Mugidheya, spokesperson of the Go-Fund committee formed to finance the works, said villagers formed the fundraising programme to raise money for the rehabilitation works.
The committee says the response has been overwhelming, with contributions coming from ordinary residents, local businesses and key stakeholders.
Local chiefs Mapungwana, Ngungunyana, Gwenzi and Muzite have extended their support, as well as district and national authorities including the district development co-ordinator, Chipinge Rural District Council, the District Development Fund and the Transport and Infrastructural Development ministry.
“The idea was born after seeing the bad state of our roads,” Go-Fund chairman Lyton Dhliwayo said.
“We came together as a community and formed a committee to spearhead rehabilitation.
“We approached government departments, stakeholders and the wider community to donate towards the exercise.”
Local companies and estates have contributed both funds and equipment.
Tanganda Tea Estate and Makande Estates are among corporate partners helping the drive.
Macadamia growers from Zona and Jersey, as well as maize and coffee farmers, fruit growers and milk producers, have voiced support after they all had been severely affected by the poor state of the roads.
Business operators and transport users have borne high costs because of the deteriorated routes.
Villagers said pirate taxi operators known locally as mishikashika were charging up to US$6 for journeys that would normally cost US$2, heightening the financial pressure on already cash-strapped households.
Noel Bonafide, a local businessman specialising in earthmoving machinery, provided a grader and a tipper.
Dedicated members of the community are contributing funds towards the purchase of diesel for the machines.
“At first, some people were sceptical, but when they saw the grader working, they began to believe,” Mugidheya said.
Residents and community leaders report early relief.
“Our roads were an absolute mess,” Blessing Tsonha, a local community leader, said.
“We cannot wait to see the difference.
“This is going to make a huge impact on our daily lives.”
Villager Grace Mangaiso added: “I have seen the machines working; our produce will get to market faster now.
“These roads have been a nightmare, especially during rainy seasons. Glad they are fixing them.”
The rehabilitation exercise has so far covered Jersey, Mundanda, Emerald and Chako areas.
Once complete, motorists can expect smoother drives, reduced congestion and safer travel conditions — improvements that will support business development and improve quality of life across Chipinge South.
Officials and community organisers say the project remains open for further contributions and volunteers, emphasising that continued collaboration between residents, traditional leaders, the private sector and government will be essential to finish the work and maintain the upgraded roads.