Minister of Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Saviour Kasukuwere has admitted that the government ignored warnings about the state of dams and bridges as far back as 2012. The heavy flooding induced by the downgraded tropical depression, which was once tropical cyclone Dineo washed away a number of bridges and dams. Kasukuwere revealed this in parliament last week.
Responding to a question on the state of bridges Kasukuwere said:
With regard to dams which have given in or given way — yes, if my memory serves me well, from a World Bank report of 2012 which spoke about dam safety conditions in the country — indeed, quite a number of our dams that have actually collapsed in the past two days were noted and mentioned.
I am happy to say that even with that challenge or tragedy happening, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and various authorities are on top of the situation,
More: Newsday