Government to deploy four contractors for Tsholotsho Roads

MATABELELAND North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, says four contractors will soon be deployed to rehabilitate the badly damaged Bulawayo–Nyamandlovu–Tsholotsho and Bulawayo–Tshefunye–Tsholotsho roads.

Minister Moyo said the deplorable state of the roads has virtually cut off Tsholotsho District from the rest of the province, making it an urgent priority for works to begin. He revealed that engagements with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development for the deployment of the contractors have already been concluded.

The 104-kilometre Bulawayo–Nyamandlovu–Tsholotsho route has deteriorated so badly that a journey that should take about an hour and a half now stretches beyond three hours. As a result, motorists have diverted to the longer Bulawayo–Tshefunye–Tsholotsho route, which has also deteriorated due to increased traffic volumes.

“The Bulawayo–Tsholotsho road is in an extremely bad state. We are yet to get a contractor, but the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has assured us that at least two contractors will soon be deployed to work on the Bulawayo via Nyamandlovu–Tsholotsho road. Motorists have since abandoned that route and are now using the Tshefunye road, which is also now in bad shape. We therefore need two contractors for that route as well,” said Minister Moyo.

Minister Moyo was speaking on Monday while addressing headmen from Matabeleland North Province who were receiving part of the 51 smartphones donated by President Mnangagwa.