derick.khumalo
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Nyamandlovu
UMGUZA Rural District Council (RDC) has pledged to deploy its equipment towards the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road, describing the key route as critical to unlocking economic opportunities for communities along the corridor.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the community-driven road rehabilitation initiative at Nyamandlovu today Friday, Umguza RDC acting chairperson Councillor Getrude Gumpo said the council had resolved to support the rehabilitation programme despite the road being under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development.
She said the road was strategic to the district as it connected communities to markets, schools and health facilities.
“Today marks a historic milestone in our district and province. We gather here not only to break ground for the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road but also to celebrate the spirit of unity and resilience that has brought us to this moment,” said Clr Gumpo.
“Umguza Rural District Council has a total road network of 800km, comprised of earth, gravel and surfaced roads. Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road is a state road, under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development. As council, we pledge our equipment for Bulawayo-Tsholotsho because it is a strategic road in the district, connecting Umguza communities to vegetable and livestock markets, schools and health facilities.”
Clr Gumpo said the road would improve the movement of people and goods while opening up economic opportunities for farmers, traders and entrepreneurs.
She said the council’s intervention was motivated by the need to ensure that residents could travel to Bulawayo to access essential services safely and within shorter periods.
“What motivates us to take part in this collective effort is the desire to see our communities travel to access health facilities in Bulawayo at a much faster and safer speed,” she said.
The acting chairperson said the council was, however, faced with a huge road maintenance backlog across its wards.
“We have a lot of backlogs in various wards of the district that need periodic maintenance of roads, but we are mindful of the fact that to reach our roads we have to first polish up this main road, even if it belongs to the state,” she said.
The council’s equipment contribution includes three tipper trucks, a 30-tonne machine and two low-bed trucks, according to handwritten additions to her prepared speech.
Clr Gumpo said the council would have to balance its intervention on the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road with the need to attend to roads within its jurisdiction.
“Although our wards will make an outcry that we are not visible, we will balance the act and try to be seen here and there,” she said.
The wards expected to benefit from the rehabilitation of the road include Ward 9, Ward 10, Ward 12, Ward 13, Ward 14 and Ward 15.
Clr Gumpo said the project demonstrated the importance of communities, local authorities, Government and other stakeholders working together to address infrastructure challenges.
“Let this groundbreaking remind us that development is not a spectator sport. It is a collective responsibility. Today, we plant the seed of progress; tomorrow, generations will harvest the fruits of connectivity, opportunity and prosperity. Together, we are building more than a road — we are building hope, unity, and a future,” said Clr Gumpo.
