adminMarvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
THE road leading to the Minister of State responsible for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Cde Abedinico Ncube’s offices has been closed for months as the contractor abandoned the project because of contractual differences with the council and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration.
The contractor, whose name could not be established, stopped repairing the road, which also leads to the Gwanda Vehicle Inspection Depot (VID), and no progress has been taking place in the past months.
Motorists have since opened an alternative route by the side of the closed road to find their way to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing offices and VID.
Responding to questions from Chronicle, Gwanda Town Clerk Mr Gilbert Mlilo said lack of progress has been a result of some differences among the parties concerned.
“The contractor pulled out some time back due to contractual differences between council, the contractor and Zinara. Zinara had awarded the contract to the private contractor to repair the road without notifying council,” said Mr Mlilo.
He said when the council tried to seek clarification on the issue, the contractor suddenly pulled out.
“Council then sought clarification from Zinara and while Zinara was discussing the issue with us, the contractor pulled out,” he said.
Efforts to bring back the contractor have been made in recent months to no avail.
According to council, the contractor had promised to complete the project by the end of last month.
No comment could be obtained from Zinara public relations manager Mr Augustine Moyo as his mobile phone has been ringing continuously without being answered over the past two days.
Online Reporter