Chronicle Editor
Nobukhosi Ndlovu , Sunday News Reporter
REHABILITATION works of the Malaliya-Manyanda Road connecting Gwayi-Binga Road and Kamativi-Binga Road, are nearing completion.
The Binga Town Board has said that the works are now at 90 percent completion.
The road is being rehabilitated under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP2) and started early this year with an allocation budget of $111 million as part of efforts to improve economic growth and development; particularly in areas that have lingered behind in development for a long period.
The works included the construction of a piped vented ford which is now at 90 percent completion, 14km of the road was graded this year while the remaining 10km will be done in the next couple of weeks.
The board’s Director of Engineering Services, Engineer Zibusiso Nyoni said they were moving hastily to ensure that the project is completed before the end of the year in line with the Government’s thrust of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
He said the road rehabilitation will boost Binga District as good roads are key for industrialisation and transportation.
“Binga is regarded as a prime destination sitting on tourism opportunities and it is believed that for a country to develop, it should have good roads therefore, the rehabilitation of the road will work in making it accessible.
“The road will benefit both Binga Dsitrict and its neighbour, Hwange as the road also connects the Binga-Kamativi Road and Binga-Gwayi Road. Communities around Malaliya and Manyanda will now be able to transport their goods and gain easy access to the newly built Malaliya Clinic,” said Eng Nyoni.
Eng Nyoni said prior to the rehabilitation, the road was in a very bad state that posed a threat to users and made the area a high accident zone.
“Vegetation had grown on the road causing a reduction in visible road width and creating a narrow single-track pathway that prevented cars from passing each other.
“There were corrugations along the road that made travelling uncomfortable and unpleasant for passengers. The road also subjected vehicles to stress causing premature wear in tyres and other mechanical components,” he said.
Eng Nyoni said the quality work that is being administered by the constructors gives him hope that the road will last longer.
“Maintenance grading will help with surface drainage where water will be directed away from the road’s travel lanes to preclude standing water and soft spots that can quickly turn into road hazards.
“The piped vented ford will facilitate the safe passage of water during and after the storm meaning that the structural integrity of the road will be preserved and the likelihood of road washouts minimised. There also won’t be vegetation on the road which can trap moisture on or near the road, contributing to erosion and degradation,” he added.
The director applauded the Government for its great works and said Binga District will flourish tremendously.
“When you look at the progress that has been made in the district in just under a year, it shows you the Second Republic’s commitment to developing this district. This shows that once the President makes a proclamation, everything is fulfilled,” he said.
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