Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
THE Government has said it is alert to the deterioration of road conditions in the country in the wake of recent incessant rains and is stepping in with a comprehensive road maintenance and rehabilitation programme that will start with the establishment of asphalt plants in the metropolitan provinces of Bulawayo and Harare.
It has also singled out the Beitbridge- Victoria Falls Road as a priority project in the first quarter saying engagements with Bitumen World are being fine-tuned for the resumption of the project.
Other initiatives in the scope of road works include the extension of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP2), along with the resuscitation and equipping of provincial maintenance units all meant to enhance road rehabilitation efforts.
The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has confirmed that funds for road maintenance will be disbursed promptly in the first quarter, following the submission of road maintenance plans by all 94 road authorities across the country.
In an interview with Sunday News, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona said the Government recognises the damage caused by the ongoing heavy rains to the country’s road network, which has resulted in trafficability challenges that have slowed down economic activity.
He said maintenance and rehabilitation work will commence as soon as the rains abate.
“We are grateful that President Mnangagwa has extended the state of disaster regarding the country’s road infrastructure network until 31 December 2026. The initial declaration on 23 February 2021, led to the launch of ERRP2, which continues as the Government works on the construction and rehabilitation of roads,” said Minister Mhona.
He added, “In line with the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), we are revitalising road maintenance units throughout the country to ensure consistent monitoring and upkeep of all roads rehabilitated under ERRP2.”
Minister Mhona highlighted the importance of establishing asphalt plants in Bulawayo and Harare in the first quarter to improve efficiency and minimise delays.
“With readily available asphalt, road construction work can proceed more rapidly, reducing disruptions and delays. The proximity of these plants will also streamline logistics, lower transport costs and enhance project efficiency,” he said.
Addressing the condition of roads in Matabeleland North and South, specifically the Beitbridge-Victoria Falls route, Minister Mhona indicated that the Government is finalising arrangements with Bitumen World, the private contractor selected for the construction work.
Responding to queries from Sunday News, Zinara Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Mrs Tsungie Manyeza, said the allocated funds will complement the budgets set aside by individual road authorities for both routine and periodic maintenance activities.
“Zinara has received the 2025 road maintenance plans from the 94 road authorities and has allocated a budget to support these initiatives. This budget will augment the respective budgets earmarked by Road Authorities for road rehabilitation,” she said.
“In terms of the first quarter disbursements, Zinara is preparing for advance payments for routine maintenance, which will be issued based on the plans presented and the acquittals submitted for the last disbursement received. We are also securing the requisite approvals from Treasury for these disbursements.”
When discussing priority projects for the year, she emphasized that each road authority determines its own priority list based on the condition of its road network and other jurisdictional considerations.
“Zinara does not dictate the priority list for road authorities,” she clarified.
The recent rainfall activity across the country has resulted in an increase in potholes, as water seeps into cracks and existing potholes, exacerbating hazardous driving conditions.
Bulawayo motorists expressed concern about the impact of the rains on the condition of roads, including surface erosion due to rapid runoff washing away loose asphalt particles, which has led to ruts and compromised road stability.
“There are several factors that have affected our roads due to these rains. Poor drainage has caused erosion beneath road surfaces, leading to uneven settling and weakened road structures,” noted a motorist Mr Thembelani Mguni.
Local civil engineer Engineer Mongiwethu Dube added, “Prolonged rainfall has saturated the soil, increasing hydrostatic pressure and causing sections of the roads to buckle or heave.”
She emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues, including enhanced drainage systems, regular maintenance, timely patching of potholes, resurfacing and the incorporation of climate-resilient design features into future road construction projects.
“The damage to roads not only heightens the risk of accidents but also significantly increases travel times and transportation costs for commuters, businesses and the movement of goods.”
The Government has acknowledged the severity of the situation and is working to address road damage through emergency repairs and long-term solutions.
However, the extent of the damage and ongoing rains present considerable challenges to these efforts.
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