Damaged Kwekwe roads: Minister demands action

MIDLANDS Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube has challenged Kwekwe City Council to come up with a work plan to repair the city’s damaged road network.

He made the remarks after a tour of the city’s roads, most of which are riddled with potholes.

Minister Ncube, who was on a tour of local and rural authorities in the province to assess road networks and other service delivery challenges, said Kwekwe City Council should immediately roll out a clear programme to address the issue.

“The Infrastructure and Utilities Thematic Working Group chaired by the Ministry of Transport must immediately convene with the City of Kwekwe and all relevant private entities to mobilise resources for pothole patching.

“The ERRP one provincial committee must also immediately undertake monitoring visits to local authorities and proffer advice on the implementation of the programme,” he said.

Minister Ncube also urged private companies and entities to work closely with the local authority to help repair the damaged roads.

“It is sad to note that heavy trucks and machinery are damaging our road network which was not primarily designed for heavy traffic.

“It is therefore, the collective responsibility of road authorities and corporates to ensure maintenance and rehabilitation to complement Government efforts,” he said.

Minister Ncube said illegal mining activities are also contributing to the decay of the roads and called on law enforcement agencies to clamp down on culprits.

“Kwekwe is endowed with abundant mineral resources. However, it is sad to note that sewer lines, buildings, and road networks are being destroyed by illegal mining activities. I, thus, implore Kwekwe to join hands with law enforcement agencies to enforce environmental by-laws in the area of jurisdiction to safeguard critical infrastructure,” he said.

Minister Ncube said when it comes to service delivery, it is no longer business as usual. He implored all stakeholders to contribute to the provincial and national GDP.

“To this end, the central government is leading by example by selling President Mnangagwa’s vision through several signature projects. In the same vein, the allocation of funds to all road authorities should be channelled towards road maintenance, rehabilitation, expansion and upgrading,” he said.

“This should also include, traffic management by installation of traffic lights, proper signage, and construction of modern roundabouts.”

Local authorities in the Midlands province are facing challenges in terms of service delivery, a situation which Minister Ncube said required urgent attention.