By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Kadoma, Zimbabwe – Two Kadoma City Council employees have tragically lost their lives due to a preventable hazard while attempting to clear a blocked sewer at Sir John Kennedy Primary School.

Tinotenda Ngwenya and Tafadzwa Guzwo, known locally as “Halahala,” died after inhaling toxic gases while working in an unprotected sewer environment. Guzwo died on-site, while Ngwenya passed away a few hours later at Kadoma General Hospital. Both men were reportedly working without any protective clothing or safety equipment.

Preventable Tragedy: The Cost of Neglect

The deaths have brought into sharp focus the critical lack of safety measures for municipal workers, particularly those working in hazardous conditions. Sewer systems are known to contain dangerous gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane, which can be deadly in confined spaces without proper ventilation and protective equipment.

Despite the inherent dangers of the job, Ngwenya and Guzwo entered the manhole without gas detectors, masks, or other basic safety gear. This glaring omission has sparked outrage in the community, with many blaming the council for negligence and failure to prioritize worker safety.

“This was completely avoidable,” said one resident. “Sending people into such dangerous conditions without the right equipment is unforgivable.”

Repeat Negligence: A Pattern of Unsafe Practices

This is not the first time Kadoma City Council has been criticized for its failure to protect workers. Just months ago, another council worker died under similar circumstances while fixing a sewer blockage. The recurring nature of these tragedies has raised serious questions about whether the council is taking adequate steps to safeguard its employees.

“This isn’t just an accident,” said a local advocate for worker rights. “This is systemic negligence, and it has cost two more lives.”

Community Demands Accountability

The deaths of Ngwenya and Guzwo have provoked widespread anger, with residents calling for urgent action to ensure worker safety. The lack of basic protective clothing, gas detection tools, and proper training has been condemned as a gross oversight by the city council.

The Kadoma community is demanding a full investigation into why these workers were sent into a life-threatening situation without adequate preparation. Many are calling for legal action against those responsible for neglecting the safety protocols necessary for such high-risk work.

A Call for Reform

As the city mourns the loss of two dedicated workers, pressure is mounting on Kadoma City Council to implement immediate reforms. Experts emphasize that protective gear, proper training, and adherence to safety standards are non-negotiable for tasks involving hazardous environments.

“These deaths were entirely preventable,” said a local health and safety expert. “No worker should ever be sent into such conditions without proper protection.”

Moving Forward

The deaths of Tinotenda Ngwenya and Tafadzwa Guzwo serve as a tragic reminder of the human cost of negligence. Their loss should be a wake-up call for the city council to prioritize safety and ensure that no worker faces such risks again.

The Kadoma community awaits action, hoping that this devastating incident will lead to meaningful change and prevent further loss of life in the future.– ZimEye