Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
In a rare display of cross-party collaboration, councillors from the ruling Party ZANU PF and the opposition, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), have joined forces to rehabilitate roads in Ruwa.
Ward 2 Councillor Guide Ndawana (CCC) and Ward 7 Councillor Charles Humbato (ZANU PF) launched a joint pothole-patching initiative covering Windsor, Zimre and Solomio areas with support from the Ruwa Local Board and community members.
Cllr Ndawana said that this collaboration demonstrates that service delivery knows no political boundaries.
“By combining our resources and teams, we have managed to work more efficiently. The partnership with Councillor Humbato has allowed us to tackle the heavily damaged sections of our shared road network, particularly the crucial routes connecting Windsor and Solomio,” he said.
The initiative focuses on critical sections on Chauke Road and Old San Susi Road, which bear the brunt of heavy traffic flow between Solomio and the town centre.
The project has already seen significant progress, with teams working on the stretch from Windsor through to the industrial area and extending to Green Olive Primary School.
Cllr Humbato emphasised the importance of unity in addressing community challenges.
“When Councillor Ndawana approached me about combining our efforts, I didn’t hesitate,” he said.
“The roads don’t discriminate between ZANU PF and CCC supporters – everyone uses them. This partnership has proven that we can achieve more when we work together.”
The collaborative effort has earned the support of various stakeholders. The Ruwa Local Board has provided implements and deployed supervisors to ensure quality control while community members have contributed both labour and resources.
In a significant boost to the initiative, a local well-wisher donated eight drums of tar after appreciating the councillors’’ joint efforts.
This community-based approach to road maintenance aligns with broader national infrastructure development goals.
The initiative has been welcomed by Ruwa Mayor Michael Mataruka, who oversees a town that has grown significantly.
The town, now home to approximately 78 000 residents, faces increasing pressure on its infrastructure due to rapid urbanisation.
“My resources are constrained. We need labour, fuel, materials and implements. We are appealing to the community to help us in this effort as we aim to cover the entire Ward 2 road network, extending into Zimre,” said Cllr Ndawana.
The project’s success has created a ripple effect, with plans to expand the initiative into other areas.
The Ruwa Local Board’s involvement in supervising the repair work ensures that the rehabilitation efforts meet required standards, marking a significant step forward in addressing the town’s infrastructure challenges through cross-party cooperation.
