Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
Hwange Local Board (HLB) has stepped up efforts to upgrade its road infrastructure, with improvements not only targeting traffic flow but also focusing on road furniture to enhance the town’s visual appeal.
HLB Corporate Communications Officer, Mr Dumisani Nsingo, stated that while Council remains concerned about the trafficability of its roads, it has also shifted its focus towards improving road furniture.
“This year, the Council has focused on stone pitching stormwater drainage systems, particularly in flood-prone areas. It has also undertaken the paving of designated bus stop areas and the construction of kerbs at major intersections along main roads,” he said.
“With the support of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) fund, this year we continued constructing stormwater drainage systems through stone pitching. This allows water to flow freely, prevents waterlogging, and enhances the overall efficiency of the drainage network.”
He said it also helps preserve the long-term sustainability of the drains by protecting them from soil erosion.
Mr Nsingo said a portion of the ZINARA fund has been allocated to the procurement and installation of road traffic signs, the construction of kerbs and ongoing routine road maintenance.
“We have utilised the ZINARA fund to procure and install signposts, construct kerbs, and carry out routine road maintenance. Additionally, using our own resources, we have paved designated bus stop areas.
“These efforts not only enhance our road infrastructure but also improve the overall aesthetics and give our area a much-needed facelift,” he added.
He said HLB was looking forward to constructing bus stops at various designated public transport drop-off points before the end of this year to enhance passenger safety, while a local company has also pledged to build bus stops in the Chibondo and Baobab suburbs.
This year, ZINARA allocated ZiG4 million to the HLB, but only ZiG 1 million had been disbursed by June.
The Council is planning to construct a one-kilometre stretch at Baobab Extension, while its partners are already carrying out road construction in the Empumalanga Phase 4 area.
