Government injects funds into road maintenance

 

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter

MANICALAND is undergoing significant road construction and rehabilitation efforts as Government upgrades key roads to improve transportation and facilitate business growth across the province.

The province has been grappling with infrastructure crisis as the urban and rural road network was decimated by the recent heavy downpours that left the local populace facing a serious mobility crisis, with transporters that bravely ply these routes slapping hefty fare hikes on passengers.

The majority of the roads in rural areas, famously known as Bhinya roads, are now in a bad state, with motorists struggling to navigate them.

But these roads are, not mere conduits, but the very lifeblood of the rural communities they serve as they connect farmers to markets, children to schools, the sick to hospitals and businesses to suppliers.

 

Rural district councils and other road authorities in the province are conducting regular maintenance works on the damaged roads, while some urban councils are resurfacing roads and converting dirt tracks to gravel; thanks to funding from Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA).

Acting Manicaland Provincial Roads Engineer Patrick Muropa said new roads are being tarred, including the Murambinda-Birchnough Bridge (Buhera), Chipinge-Mt Selinda, Headlands-Chiendambuya and Fern Valley roads.

He said works are at various stages, with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development tightly monitoring and supervising contractors to ensure that they do a perfect job.

He expressed optimism that ongoing projects will be completed within the set timelines.

“The rehabilitation of the Murambinda-Birchenough Bridge Road is progressing well, with two contractors actively working on-site. DK Construction is advancing from the Birchenough Bridge side, while JRG Goddard is working from the Murambinda side. From the Birchenough Bridge side, out of the 5km scope, 3km have been surfaced. The remaining 2km are currently being surfaced. The road section is scheduled for opening soon.

“From the Murambinda side, 2km of gravel section has been stabilised with two percent to achieve a C3 classification. Road opening is on target. In addition to that, work is progressing well on the Chipinge-Mt Selinda Border Post Road where Zada Construction is executing works towards the border post. The scope of the work includes upgrading a 10km gravel road to asphalt overlay, constructing a treble culvert, detour, and 27 relief culverts. The 10km detour has been completed and 2,5km subgrade completed.

“The Department of Roads has taken over the 4,5km road in Fern Valley from Mutare City Council, which serves Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, First Class High School, and the Fern Valley community. The project involves upgrading the 4,5km gravel road to an asphalt overlay. The Department of Roads is overseeing all construction stages to ensure compliance with the required standards.

“The projects remain on schedule, with phased road openings planned. Ongoing supervision and quality control measures will continue to ensure adherence to engineering standards and structural integrity,” said Engineer Muropa.

Mutare City Council spokesperson, Mr Charles Sadondo said their local authority will utilise ZINARA funds, proceeds from the recently introduced Special Road Levy, and parking fees to rehabilitate roads.

“We received ZWG14 913 339,48 on March 5, 2024, which is paying part of the works done on Railway Avenue. The ZINARA budget for the City of Mutare this year is ZiG29 971 647. The funds will be used to finish works on Railway Avenue, Simon Mazorodze Road, and 600m asphalt overlay in Herbert Chitepo Street,” said Mr Sadondo, adding that council projects funded by the road levy and parking fees include major periodic works on the Dangamvura Commuter Route (2km), Chikanga Commuter Route (3.2km) and William, Edward, and Henry streets in Florida (1,5km).

Rusape Town Council (RTC) spokesperson, Mr Lloyd Makumana said their major works will focus on upgrading earth roads to gravel.

“RTC was allocated ZiG7 798 223 by ZINARA for the current financial year. The funds allocated are essential in maintaining and rehabilitating roads. However, they are not enough to fully address all road infrastructure challenges,” said Mr Makumana, adding that Rusape’s road network comprises 24km sealed roads, 3,5km gravel roads, and 176km earth roads.

“For the current funding cycle, RTC plans to do 2,1km of gravelling and 150km of routine maintenance. Council intends to upgrade a 1,1km road linking Mabvazuwa and Old Magamba, as well as the 1km road linking Crocodile and Silverbow suburbs to gravel roads,” he said.

Buhera Rural District Council acting chief executive officer, Mr Ishmael Jachi said they were allocated ZiG7 million, which they intend to use to maintain their 1 460km road network.

“We were allocated ZiG7 578 725. We are targeting to carry out maintenance works on 52,4km during this year, including Chapwanya Clinic and Dzaramba School access road, Murambinda CBD surfacing, and Gotora-Usavi Road,” said Mr Jachi.