Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
WARD 41 Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe, has expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development for launching a new nationwide hotline for reporting urgent road defects, while highlighting the successful rehabilitation of more than 16 roads in Harare West.
The Ministry’s initiative, announced on January 19, 2026, enables residents to directly contact provincial roads engineers to report potholes and other hazards, aiming to accelerate repairs and improve road safety.
“This is a welcome and progressive step by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. The hotline empowers residents to become active partners in maintaining our roads, ensuring that issues are addressed swiftly and efficiently,” said Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe, who represents Ward 41 in the City of Harare.
Ward 41, which covers suburbs including Marlborough, Westgate, Goodhope, Tynwald North, Emerald Hill, Avonlea and Bluffhill, has been the focus of significant road rehabilitation efforts over the past two years.
Major thoroughfares such as Nemakonde (formerly Lomagundi) Road, Harare Drive, Old Mazowe Road, and Sam Nujoma Road (formerly Second Street) have undergone extensive upgrades, with additional works ongoing on roads like Gilchrist, Avonlea Drive, and Paul Chester Road.
“We are grateful for the Ministry’s investment and the work of contractors such as Fossil Contracting, Exodus and Company, and Bitumen World. The rehabilitation of more than 16 roads in Ward 41 is a testament to what can be achieved when government and community work together,” said Councillor Kadzombe.
She added, “However, we urge the Ministry to continue monitoring the quality of work, as some newly completed roads are already showing signs of deterioration. Taxpayers deserve value for money, and our roads must be built to last.”
Despite the progress, Ward 41 continues to grapple with serious road safety challenges. According to recent statistics, Harare remains one of Zimbabwe’s most dangerous cities for road users, with over 22,000 accidents recorded in 2024 and a sharp rise in fatalities in 2025. Human error, speeding, and reckless driving—particularly by informal public transport operators known as mshika-shika—are major contributors to the crisis.
Old Mazowe Road, in particular, has been the site of at least 15 fatalities in recent years, with residents repeatedly petitioning for speed calming measures. Intersections such as Nemakonde and Harare Drive are also identified as accident hotspots, suffering from congestion and damaged infrastructure.
“We have seen too many lives lost, especially along Old Mazowe Road and at busy intersections. I call on the Ministry to prioritise the installation of speed humps and to complete outstanding rehabilitation works. Road safety must remain at the forefront of our efforts,” Councillor Kadzombe urged.
She also appealed to motorists: “I implore all drivers in Ward 41 and across Harare to respect the rules of the road and look out for pedestrians. Let us work together to save lives in our community.”
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, led by Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona, has reiterated its dedication to road safety and public engagement.
In its official statement, the Ministry said: “The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development reaffirms its commitment to safe, reliable, and well-maintained roads for all citizens. Our ongoing, significant investment in rehabilitating and maintaining the national road network is central to our mandate. The Ministry calls on the public to become active partners in road maintenance by reporting potholes and urgent defects. Your vigilance is invaluable. Prompt reports enable faster response, efficient resource allocation, and prevent minor issues from becoming hazards.”
The Ministry’s hotline initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that “no one and no place is left behind,” in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision for inclusive development.
Online Reporter