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Blessings Chidakwa Municipal Reporter
The Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 in Harare has gone a step further, with the busy Masotsha Ndlovu Way across southern Harare, and Prince Edward Street and Connaught Road, basically the same road running north through Milton Park to Avondale, being upgraded to world class standards.
As the Second Republic walks the talk on infrastructural development, reputable firms Bitumen World and Central Mechanical Equipment Department (CMED) have been awarded the tenders for the roadworks.
Road construction falls under the infrastructure cluster and roads are regarded as key economic enablers in line with the attainment of Vision 2030 of achieving an upper middle income society.
Yesterday, the roads were already closed with motorists using detours.
Along Masotsha Ndlovu Way being rebuilt by CMED, works were at different stages of construction.
Many suburban roads later used as main roads have an inadequate base for heavy traffic and heavy vehicles.
The damaged old surfaces on the roads were being removed, paving way for the compaction stage and then resealing.
Assessed portions with strong bases were being patched in preparation of resealing. Along Prince Edward Street and Connaught Road, Bitumen World had put its heavy equipment such as caterpillars, compactors, as well as cabins and construction signs.
Some of the Bitumen World workers were clearing the road, while others were re-directing both human and vehicular traffic. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the Government was leaving no stone unturned in terms of road rehabilitation.
“Masotsha Ndlovu here we come,” he tweeted. “The Second Republic listened to the clarion call of the people of Zimbabwe to reconstruct the road. Let’s go CMED.”
In a statement, Bitumen World, which expects to finish the job in two weeks said: “Please be advised that from Thursday November 11, 2021, there will be partial road closures along Prince Edward Street (intersecting with Princes Road/Josiah Tongogara Ave), including Connaught Road to the King George Road junction in Avondale.
“We estimate the major works will be completed within two weeks, weather permitting. We request that the general motoring public who make use of these roads on their daily commute to exercise patience during the construction period and follow instruction from signage, as well as any directive by our traffic control team on the ground.”
Bitumen World said finding alternative routes to one’s destination was recommended, especially during peak traffic hours as there will be delays.
“We look forward to your continued support and cooperation as we improve the city’s road network and apologise in advance for any inconveniences caused,” Bitumen said.
Employees of Bitumen which also re-constructed the busy Seke Road, were yesterday observed erecting a waiting shed along that road at St Martins area.
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