Byo road network in deplorable state
TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
The deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Michael Madiro has said Bulawayo’s road network is in bad state, blaming the local authority of failing to maintain the road.
“You are aware that the local authority has been having challenges of governance, politicising development to mention but a few.”
He said the deplorable state of the roads has forced the government to chip in.
“The central government has chipped in to ensure that the road network in Bulawayo and many other cities has been taken care of.”
The call by Madiro comes as the Bulawayo City Council has embarked on a road rehabilitation programme worth US$14.1m to be completed in December.
“The funding received is split under the Emergency Roads Rehabilitation Programme, amounting to US$12.9m and under devolution we have US$1.27m.
“The current programme is targeting 38km works, consisting of re-gravelling 10.5 km, reconstruction of 6km and overlay of 9. 5 km. Under the programme we also have reseals that will amount to 12km, “ the Bulawayo City Council’s corporate communications officer Nesisa Mpofu said.
She said while council’s in-house teams concentrate on routine maintenance such as pothole patching, drain clearing, there is a need to engage other contractors so that works can be done within the timeline and to allow for maximum benefits.
“There have been instances of poor workmanship or accusations of poor workmanship. But as a council we have various processes to ensure that quality and integrity of roads is maintained,” Mpofu said.
