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Walter Nyamukondiwa
Kariba Bureau
Motorists have implored the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development to urgently move in to repair stretches of the Harare-Chirundu Highway which are now riddled with potholes.
The Harare-Chirundu Highway is a key route on the North-South corridor, facilitating regional trade and access to the tourist resort town of Kariba by road.
The heavy rains that have been received in most parts of the country have damaged infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
Chief Chundu, Abel Mbasera said the Government should prioritise the road because of its importance.
“I would say the road needs immediate attention as it is a vital link for business between Zimbabwe and Zambia. On a regional scale, the road is key for trade,” said Chief Chundu.
“I implore the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development to prioritise this road. It has not received attention for a very long time. The situation is bad.”
He said the status of the road did not augur well for tourism.
The Harare-Chirundu Highway handles more than 300 trucks every day going as far as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania.
There is also a significantly higher number of smaller vehicles that also use the road.
Mr Samson Kofi, who uses the road frequently, said some of the stretches had become a death trap for motorists, especially at night.
“Guys Vuti to Dins areas are now very dangerous especially when one is speeding,” he said.
“The potholes are so dangerous, I plead with the Department of Roads to look at that area before we record fatal accidents.”
A truck driver, Mr Amos Tesera, said the poor state of the road has resulted in them spending more time navigating the road.
“It has become really difficult to drive on the Harare-Chirundu Road, especially on the stretch passing through the Nyamakate area in Hurungwe,” he said.
Online Reporter