Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
[email protected]
A COMMUNITY-driven initiative to rehabilitate the long-neglected Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road is being launched today (Friday), with Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo expected to officiate at the groundbreaking ceremony in Nyamandlovu.
The initiative, spearheaded by Tsholotsho community members led by Botswana-based businessman Mr Cephas Tshuma, seeks to complement Government efforts to improve the state of the road through community resource mobilisation.
Government officials, representatives from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara), local authorities and other stakeholders are expected to attend the launch at Nyamandlovu Business Centre.
Community members have already raised funds to purchase 36 000 litres of diesel, which will power road maintenance equipment to be provided by the Tsholotsho and Umguza Rural District Councils.
The rehabilitation programme will target a 90-kilometre stretch of the road and include spot dumping, shoulder grading and full grading of badly damaged sections.
Works will be carried out in manageable 23-kilometre sections, with two teams working simultaneously from the Bulawayo and Tsholotsho ends to speed up completion of the project.
Gravel will be stockpiled in advance to ensure uninterrupted operations throughout the rehabilitation exercise.
Residents say the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road has deteriorated significantly over the years, making travel difficult for motorists and affecting the movement of people, agricultural produce and goods.
The poor state of the road has also been blamed for increased vehicle maintenance costs and longer travelling times.
Community leaders said the initiative demonstrates the willingness of residents to work alongside Government and local authorities to address infrastructure challenges affecting the district.
They said improving the road would boost accessibility, stimulate economic activity and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and other goods between Tsholotsho and Bulawayo.
The organisers have appealed to individuals, companies and members of the Tsholotsho community, both locally and in the diaspora, to support the initiative through financial contributions or fuel donations.
