Gweru embarks on major roads rehab

GWERU City Council (GCC) has launched a major road rehabilitation programme targeting the Central Business District, with works now underway to repair streets damaged by heavy rains and flooding earlier this year.

In a shift from previous practice, gravel will no longer be used for pothole patching. Instead, asphalt will be used to ensure repairs are more durable and longer lasting, city mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko said.

He confirmed that the project had begun in the CBD, focusing on routes that had become difficult for motorists to use.

“We’ve started rehabilitating roads in the Central Business District that were no longer easy to drive through.
“You will remember the heavy rainfall caused flooding that destroyed most of our roads in the city, “ he said.
Clr Chivhoko said the local authority has set aside US$300,000 from internal funds for the first phase, which will cover about 640 metres of road.

He said GCC is ultimately targeting 3km of CBD roads under the programme.
“Works officially commenced along 6th Street, between Leopold Takawira and Lobengula Avenue,” he said.
Clr Chivhoko said the exercise will gradually extend to other roads within the city centre and to key routes leading into residential suburbs.

“The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve Gweru’s road network and tackle persistent drainage problems that worsen during the rainy season.

“Roads across Gweru, like those in other cities and around the country, suffered extensive damage after heavy downpours caused widespread flooding,” he added.

Cllr Chivhoko said residents should expect improved road conditions and better drainage once the rehabilitation programme is complete.

Council engineer Edwin Matirongo said blocked and overloaded drainage systems had become a major concern in several areas.

“To address this, we will increase the number of catch pits to channel runoff water into the subsurface drainage system,” he said.

Residents and motorists have welcomed the move.

“It has been a nightmare driving through town, especially after the rains,” said Mr Tinashe Machingura, a taxi driver who works in the CBD.

“I am glad the council has finally started. If they keep it up, it will make a huge difference for us.”
Ms Rutendo Moyo, a resident of Senga, said improved roads would ease daily travel.

“We have been dealing with potholes and flooded streets for months. I am happy to see something being done, and using asphalt sounds like a better plan this time,” she said.