Sundaymail Editor
Diana Nherera
Masimba Holdings is rehabilitating several key roads in Mbare, Harare, as part of the Government’s urban renewal programme.
The company is working on the stretch of road from the corner of Rotten Row and Coventry Road up to the intersection of Cripps Road and Seke Road and Rememberance Drive from Mupedzanhamo to Ardbennie and a section of Ardbennie Drive to just after Old Mbare Musika Rank.
According to Masimba Holdings site agent, Engineer Tanyaradzwa Gunzve, rehabilitation of Mbare Road from Engen Mbare to the main market (that traders were complaining about) is also underway.
“Mbare Road connects to Chaminuka from Tsiga past Rufaro Stadium and connects to Remembrance Drive. That whole section is also being redone,” he told Zimpapers Online.
“This is in line with the Government’s urban renewal programme whereby they are looking at revamping areas like Mbare. If you look at Mbare, it was built in 1942 when Queen Victoria came. And from then onwards it was never upgraded.”
Eng Gunzve said one of the programmes planned for Mbare as part of a larger effort involves upgrading the road network and sewer systems.
“As you know, Mbare Matapi has a problem with sewer blockages. Long ago, Matapi Flats used to house migrant labourers who stayed on their own, but now, families are living there,” he said.
“The existing sewer systems do not have the carrying capacity for the sewer generated. So the next phase is upgrading of sewer lines and water systems so that the trading environment will be perfect and there won’t be cholera outbreaks and other things.
“So that is part of the whole urban renewal programme and it will also keep a culture content according to the Minister because Mbare has Zimbabwean history in terms of legacy issues of our culture. So they would want to keep as much of that culture within Mbare suburb.”
Eng Gunzve said the roads were expected to be completed in a week.
Online Reporter