‘Avail more funds for rural roads in budget’

Michael Makuza, Business Reporter

BUBI Constituency legislator, Cde Sonny Mguni, has urged the Treasury to allocate more funding in the forthcoming 2023 National Budget to boost rural roads infrastructure and enhance business competitiveness.

Noting that investments in roads and bridges would likely generate new income opportunities and jobs for agricultural households, he said improved rural roads will cut the time and cost of commuting for businesses and individuals.

“The poor infrastructure as highlighted is ranked as one of the biggest threats to community development in Bubi Constituency,” said Mguni in a consolidated development document for the district seen by Business Chronicle.

“Poor road network has been noted as a stumbling block for both private, NGO and Government service providers to reach some areas, farmers to access local markets and for mere movement from one point to the other.”

While devolution funds are assisting local authorities fulfil their obligation of ensuring improved access to social amenities across the country through development of key infrastructure, the available resources are not adequate to meet all requirements.

As a result, Cde Mguni said it was difficult to reach some wards for example ward 4, 5, 8, 12, 17, 19, 21 and 18 due to poor roads, which affect both farmers and businesses.

“Poor road network is a hindrance towards access to productive markets. I would love to believe that investments in roads and bridges are likely to generate new income opportunities for agricultural households as this could reduce the time spent commuting and ease access to market places, trickling far beyond the project site,” he said.

“The rehabilitation of the trunk road systems and particularly with utmost concern that of the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road would definitely gunner popularity to the Second Republic.”

Cde Mguni said in line with the Constitution and devolution mantra, availing more resources towards rural infrastructure was critical in realising the development goals expressed under the National Development Strategy (NDS1) – 2021 to 2025.

He said a good road network was important in enhancing accessibility as well as promoting domestic and regional trade.