derick.khumalo
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Nyamandlovu
THE Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has partnered the community-led Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative by donating an initial 5 000 litres of diesel to support the rehabilitation of the long-neglected Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road.
The fuel donation, made under Zinara’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, was announced ahead of the official launch of the initiative in Nyamandlovu yesterday by Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo.
Briefing the Minister before the launch, Zinara finance director Mr Adam Zvandasara, representing the authority’s chief executive officer Mr Nkosilathi Ncube, said the donation was separate from the routine fuel allocations that Zinara provides to the country’s four road authorities.
“This fuel allocation is outside the mandatory allocation that Zinara gives to our four road authorities. This is part of the Administration’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme and the amount will increase as the work progresses,” said Mr Zvandasara.
He said Zinara was committed to supporting well-organised community initiatives that complement Government efforts to improve the country’s road infrastructure.
“This is something that we do to properly organised groups like the Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative,” he said.
The initiative was spearheaded by members of the Tsholotsho community led by Botswana-based businessman Mr Cephas Tshuma, who mobilised residents, businesses and other stakeholders to contribute resources towards the rehabilitation programme.
Through community contributions, the initiative has already mobilised 36 000 litres of diesel, which will be used to power machinery during the rehabilitation of about 65 kilometres of road.
The rehabilitation programme is expected to improve accessibility, reduce travel times and vehicle maintenance costs, while enhancing the movement of people, agricultural produce and goods between Bulawayo and Tsholotsho.
The partnership with Zinara is expected to further accelerate the works, with the road authority indicating that its support will increase as the project progresses.
