Online Reporter
Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
THE Municipality of Chinhoyi is hailing the rehabilitation of 17 kilometres of tarred roads across the town as a huge development which will inject life into the economy of the Mashonaland West capital.
Work has started on the rehabilitation of the critical infrastructure which had deteriorated over the years.
The road rehabilitation programme will come as a relief to residents who have endured worsening road conditions with some of the town’s major and residential roads now littered with potholes and difficult to navigate.
The companies which won the tender to rehabilitate the roads, Bitumen and Fossil, have since started working on the affected roads.
Chinhoyi Mayor, Owen Charuza, told H-Metro that the rehabilitation of the roads was always a priority for the Council, as the state of the town’s road network had become a major concern for residents, motorists and businesses.
“The rehabilitation of these 17 kilometres of tarred roads is a significant development for Chinhoyi,” Charuza said.
“Most of these roads were in a deplorable state and Council recognised that something had to be done to restore them to a standard that allows residents to move around safely and efficiently.
“Roads are not just about transport.
“They are an important part of the local economy.
“Good roads make it easier for people to access services, for businesses to move goods and for residents to travel safely,” he said.
Ward Four Councillor, Ignatius Zvigadza, told H-Metro that the Council acknowledges the critical role played by the central government.
“As Council, we acknowledge the significant contribution by the central government in disbursing the ZINARA funds, which have gone a long way in rehabilitating our damaged roads,” said Zvigadza.
Combined Chinhoyi Residents Association (CCRA) chairman, Tendai Musonza, said this was a welcome development for residents who had endured the poor state of the town’s roads for years.
“For years, motorists and commuters have had to negotiate potholes and badly damaged sections of roads, particularly during the rainy season when some potholes become difficult to identify and avoid,” said Musonza.
Another resident, Felix Mbundi, told H-Metro that the rehabilitation of the roads was a very good initiative.
“It’s very good for us. These are signs of progress that we are going somewhere. There is direction and hope for the future.
“When people see some kind of progress happening, like roads being constructed, they feel like they are going somewhere.
“It gives us a sense of being cared for. It’s a good thing for the town, and we really welcome it as residents,” said Mbundi.
