adminNqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE government has allocated $600,000 for the rehabilitation and tarring of the Tsholotsho-Phelandaba Road which has become a nightmare for motorists especially during the rainy season.
The road is inaccessible during the rainy season and two weeks ago buses were getting stuck.
On Thursday, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Cde Joram Gumbo, joined the area Member of Parliament, Professor Jonathan Moyo, local chiefs among other officials to assess the damaged road.
Cde Gumbo had been invited by Prof Moyo, who is also Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, to see what he termed a ‘house on fire.’
After assessing the road, Cde Gumbo said it needed immediate rehabilitation and released $600,000 for its reconstruction.
“About your road we’re going to give you $600,000 for immediate work to be done on the Tsholotsho-Pumula Road. I’m agreeing with Professor (Moyo) that we must go 10KM beyond Phelandaba hospital and that’s what we’re doing,” he said.
The Minister said 30 percent of the Tsholotsho-Phelandaba Road needs re-gravelling and a grader had been availed for the job.
“In engineering they say resurfacing but you want me to say tar the road. That is what we’re going to be doing along the Tsholotsho-Phelandaba road,” he said.
Cde Gumbo urged Prof Moyo to make follow ups on his promises to ensure that the work gets completed before the beginning of the next rainy season.
The Minister said he was aware that the country is facing financial challenges but this was not an excuse for failure to implement developmental projects.
He said for the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road, the Ministry is going to continue with routine maintenance as it works on its long term plan to widen it.
Prof Moyo said Cde Gumbo’s visit was historic as they last had a visit from a Minister of Transport 12 years ago.
“This is not something that we’re used to and when we experience it we really appreciate Cde Minister. It shows your commitment as the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development but also of the party and government,” said Prof Moyo.
“I’m happy that this is happening in the presence of our traditional leadership. As Tsholotsho we work closely with our traditional leaders.”
Chief Tategulu said he was happy the ministers heeded villagers’ calls to improve the road and better their livelihoods.
Online Reporter