Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has stepped up its road rehabilitation drive, with recent works on Falcon Road in the Belmont Industrial area signalling a renewed push to address the city’s deteriorating road network.
The repairs have brought relief to motorists and businesses that have long struggled with pothole-ridden roads, as the local authority rolls out a broader, citywide programme targeting both residential and industrial routes.
Bulawayo deputy mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, acknowledged the extent of the problem, describing the condition of the city’s roads as a major concern requiring sustained intervention.
“Our road network is very bad as a city and the works department is working on the roads,” he said.
Cllr Ndlovu said the council’s works department has since implemented a structured programme aimed at rehabilitating all residential roads across the city.
“The department has got its programme of action to rehabilitate all domestic roads. However, progress has been slowed by a combination of adverse weather conditions and limited financial resources. Rainy conditions and limited resources slowed down the rehabilitation work,” he said.
Cllr Ndlovu, however, stressed that road rehabilitation remains a top priority for council, with a broader target to upgrade all major roads.
“We have a programme to fix all our roads but limited resources is the major challenge,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the misuse of city roads by heavy vehicles, noting that this has accelerated the deterioration of infrastructure.
“Heavy vehicles shouldn’t use the roads in the city but highways. Trucks should not use the CBD roads,” he said.
Cllr Ndlovu emphasised that safeguarding rehabilitated roads from excessive wear is critical to ensuring their durability and long-term sustainability.
The initiative is aligned with the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 (ERRP2), under which the Government, in partnership with local authorities, is working to repair and upgrade road infrastructure nationwide.
The Government has intensified road rehabilitation works across the country following the end of the rainy season, as part of broader efforts to improve mobility and enhance service delivery.
The programme, which has been extended to ensure continuity, has already recorded notable progress.
Funding support from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has also been instrumental, with billions of dollars disbursed to local authorities for road maintenance and upgrading projects.
The Second Republic’s infrastructure development drive has further accelerated road works across the country, as Zimbabwe moves to modernise its transport network in line with Vision 2030.
