Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
THE community-led Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road rehabilitation project, officially launched by the Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo in August is progressing steadily with nearly 20km of road having been rehabilitated to date.
Running under the Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative (TRRI), the project is working on a 60km road stretch with two teams working from the Tsholotsho Centre coming towards
Nyamandlovu while the other is working from Nyamandlovu towards Tsholotsho Centre.
The teams are using equipment from Tsholotsho and Umguza Rural District Councils.
TRRI chairperson Mr Cephas Tshuma said work is progressing while various stakeholders including villagers from the two districts, Tsholotsho and Umguza, continue donating towards the project, revealing that just this past week, they received 25 000 rand from South African based Zimbabwean citizens who use the road whenever they visit their families back home.
“TRRI is pleased to report encouraging progress, with growing support from the community, the diaspora, Government and other stakeholders committed to improving road infrastructure in our area.
“Our fundraising efforts continue to gain momentum. Just this week, we received a contribution of 25 000 rand from South Africa, reflecting the continued commitment of our people in the diaspora to supporting development back home. We are deeply encouraged by this generosity and the growing spirit of collective responsibility demonstrated by our supporters,” said Mr Tshuma.
He also acknowledged the continued support from Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), particularly its contribution of diesel towards the rehabilitation programme.
ZINARA donated an initial 5 000 litres of diesel at the launch of the project at Nyamandlovu business centre.
“This support has helped strengthen our efforts on the ground as we continue to mobilise additional resources to advance the project.
At community level, residents have stepped forward by making tractors and other equipment available to support the rehabilitation works,” said Mr Tshuma.
He said the spirit of volunteerism, combined with efforts to engage private businesses for the hire of additional machinery demonstrates the determination of the people to see the initiative succeed, which is in line with the Second Republic’s philosophy that ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.
“We remain grateful for the continued support and guidance we receive from the Government through the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our traditional leaders, local authorities, community members, businesses and diaspora chapters for standing with us throughout this journey,” said Mr Tshuma.
He said TRRI is a practical demonstration of the value of a Public Private Partnership (PPP), that has brought together more than 4 000 participants around one shared objective, that of improving the road infrastructure through collaboration, community participation and collective responsibility.
He said the initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when the Government, the private sector and ordinary citizens work together towards a common development goal.
“On the technical front, following a request from members of the community, we have engaged an experienced engineer who will work closely with our project manager.
This collaboration is intended to strengthen technical oversight, planning and coordination, ensuring that available resources are used efficiently and that the rehabilitation works meet the required standards,” said Mr Tshuma.
He said the project committee members remain alive to the fact that road rehabilitation is a demanding undertaking requiring substantial resources, specialised equipment and sustained commitment.
Mr Tshuma said partnerships and contributions in the form of fuel, machinery, equipment, construction materials or financial support would make a meaningful difference to the pace and effectiveness of the project.
“Our message to the public is clear: TRRI is moving forward, support is growing and our commitment to the rehabilitation of the Tsholotsho Road remains firm. We will continue to keep our stakeholders and the public informed about developments and progress as the project advances,” said Mr Tshuma.
