Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
MINISTER of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has commissioned a combined 22km Malole-Dickson Road and Silalatshani-Sanale-Malole Road in Insiza District.
Rehabilitation and regravelling of the road was conducted under a partnership between the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), Insiza Rural District Council, FS Mining Company and Tofee Mining Company.
The US$2,3 million project, funded by FS Mining Company, saw the road being regravelled, much to the relief of community members.
For several years, villagers from several wards in Insiza District have been struggling to access healthcare services, schools and other amenities due to severely damaged road infrastructure.
The mining company, which is operating in Mberengwa at the boundary with Insiza District, engaged RIDA and the local authority with a desire to rehabilitate the road as part of its corporate social responsibility.
More than 3 000 villagers have benefited from the improved road network. The road is a link to the Mbalabala-Zvishavane Highway.
Speaking during an event to commission the rehabilitated road, Minister Nguluvhe said the Second Republic’s commitment to rehabilitating feeder roads in rural communities to improve accessibility to services is gaining traction through public-private partnerships.
He said the rehabilitated road demonstrates the transformative potential of partnerships between Government, the private sector, local authorities and communities.
“Today marks a significant milestone for the communities of Malole, Nhlangano, Zvikombe, Mazeya and surrounding areas, who stand to benefit from improved connectivity, access to essential services and greater economic opportunities.
“Road infrastructure is more than a means of transportation; it is an enabler of development and a pathway to opportunity. Good roads connect communities to schools, health facilities, markets, Government services and economic opportunities. They facilitate the movement of people, agricultural produce, goods and services, thereby strengthening rural economies and improving livelihoods,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said rehabilitation of the road would also contribute to the progressive improvement of connectivity across Matabeleland South Province.
He said opening and improving routes between communities and service centres helps to bridge geographical distances and ensure that rural communities are better integrated into the province’s economic and social networks.
@DubeMatutu
