Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba [email protected]
GWERU City Council (GCC) mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko has appealed for patience from residents as the local authority begins a phased programme to resurface the city’s battered road network.
In a statement, Cllr Chivhoko acknowledged long-standing frustration over potholes, crumbling road edges and unsafe driving conditions that have disrupted daily commutes for years.
“I am fully aware our roads have been a source of frustration for many residents. Potholes, crumbling edges and unsafe driving conditions have plagued our daily commutes for too long. Let me be clear: we hear your concerns, and we are acting,” he said.
Cllr Chivhoko confirmed that resurfacing work has already started in key traffic corridors in the Central Business District, as well as roads that lead to residential areas.
He noted that the rehabilitation programme will be rolled out in phases, with priority given to the most damaged and heavily used routes.
“Road resurfacing will be done in phases, prioritising the most damaged and frequently used routes. This work has already begun.
“However, I ask for your patience and understanding. Rome was not built in a day, and neither will our new road network be,” he said.
Cllr Chivhoko said restoring smooth and safe travel requires time, funding and technical precision.
“Every effort is being made to restore smooth and safe travel across the city, but large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation takes time, funding and technical precision. The journey may be bumpy for now, but the destination is smooth,” he added.
The mayor said council will continue working with stakeholders to mobilise resources and technical support to ensure quality workmanship and minimal disruption.
Turning to the impending rainy season, Cllr Chivhoko warned that blocked drains remain the leading cause of flooding in Gweru.
He urged residents to stop dumping rubbish, plastics, bottles and construction waste into storm water drains.
“Most floods are not natural disasters; they are man-made catastrophes caused by blocked drains. Throwing debris into drains is not a minor offence. It endangers entire neighbourhoods,” he said.
Cllr Chivhoko called on residents to use bins, clear drains near their homes and report illegal dumping.
Meanwhile, Cllr Chivhoko also expressed sorrow over the recent Senga commuter omnibus fire that claimed seven children.
“It’s with the deepest sorrow that I acknowledge the recent tragedy in Senga, where we lost seven precious children. These young souls were sons and daughters, classmates and friends, dreams and promises. On behalf of the entire city, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and classmates of these seven angels,” he said.
He said council is engaging transport operators, law enforcement and safety experts to prevent a repeat. He then asked residents to observe a moment of silence for the victims.
Meanwhile, some residents have called on council to match its demand for ratepayers to settle ZiG1.2 billion in arrears within 14 days by delivering services in the same timeframe.
They said GCC should give itself 14 days to fix roads, repair streetlights, clear blocked drains, improve refuse collection, respond to complaints and restore consistent service delivery.
“Accountability cannot be demanded from residents alone. GCC must also give itself 14 days to restore the dignity of Gweru residents. That is a fair demand in law,” one resident said.
Just get out of that office and allow people who know what to do take charge. If you cannot run a city as small as Gweru how did you intend to run the country as opposition? Just admit that you are useless and vacate office.