Minister condemns Byo roads

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
DEPLORABLE roads in Bulawayo have attracted government attention with Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu saying urgent measures were underway to fix the situation. Motorists in the city are complaining about the pothole littered roads and blame council for damage inflicted on their vehicles and a rise in accidents.
Dr Mpofu acknowledged the problem in an interview with Chronicle.

He said although his ministry, through Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara), bought pothole patching equipment for councils, more resources were needed for a comprehensive road rehabilitation programme.

“The issue of bad roads in Bulawayo has become a major concern. Government is aware that most of the roads are in a bad state and need to be repaired as soon as possible,” said Dr Mpofu.

He added: “A lot of money is required for the rehabilitation of the roads but the ministry donated equipment to fill up potholes while resources are mobilised for a complete exercise.”

Dr Mpofu said he has been communicating with Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor Martin Moyo on the issue.
“Council has set the rehabilitation of roads as one of its top priorities and as

government, we will continue to liaise with the council and make sure that work is done to make our roads user friendly through provision of equipment and finance,” said the Dr Mpofu.

Clr Moyo concurred, saying a programme was underway to repair damaged roads after the rains.
“The roads are in a bad state and this has been worsened by the rains that the country is currently experiencing. Rehabilitation of roads is already underway as evidenced by the work being done in Mahatshula,” he said adding: “We are planning to continue with the current projects as soon as the rains subside.”

Clr Moyo said the local authority needed funding to buy more equipment to conduct satisfactory road rehabilitation exercise.
He said the equipment from Zinara was not adequate enough to do all the required work.

“We still need graders and rollers to repair the roads. Despite the unavailability of funds, the rehabilitation of roads is the council’s top priority. If resources permit, we will complete the exercise before the end of this year,” said Clr Moyo.