Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE- In a move to address the deteriorating condition of one of the city’s busiest roads, the City of Mutare has allocated US$1.4 million for urgent rehabilitation works.
This funding will primarily target a 1,5-kilometres stretch of road between the Fire House and Railway Avenue, which has suffered severe erosion due to the influx of haulage trucks. However, to complete the entire project, which spans 4.5 kilometres from Park Road to the Vumba turn-off, the council estimates that an additional $2.9 million will be needed.
The decision to focus on road repairs comes after mounting complaints from businesses in the downtown area regarding air pollution caused by dust from the poorly maintained road. The heavy traffic, particularly from haulage trucks en route to Forbes Border Post, has exacerbated the situation, sparking concerns about the health implications for residents and the operational challenges for local businesses.
Acting Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka said: “Due to the deplorable state of the road, both motorists and businesses have been experiencing significant difficulties. We had no option but to suspend other projects and concentrate our efforts on the rehabilitation of this crucial road,” he stated.
The condition of the road has not only affected traffic flow but has also led to increased vehicle maintenance costs for drivers. Many residents have reported that the dust from the unpaved sections is causing respiratory issues, leading to a public outcry for immediate action.
Chafesuka reassured the public that the current works are expected to be completed by mid-December this year.
“We understand the urgency of the situation and are committed to restoring the road to a safe and usable condition as quickly as possible,” he added.
Given the council’s financial constraints, arrangements have been made with the contractor for part payments to facilitate the ongoing work. The council is also appealing to the central government for additional assistance to ensure the completion of the entire project.
“What is important to note is that we did not have that kind of money in our coffers and we had to negotiate with the contractor to make part payments until we clear off the whole amount. We have made submissions to Government soliciting assistance to complete the whole project up to Park Road.
“This road has significance that goes beyond Mutare and much of the damage is being caused by heavy vehicles that use it in transit to the Beira Corridor and other countries in the region. We are hopeful that the central government will recognise the importance of this project and provide the necessary funding to cover the remaining costs,” Chafesuka said.
With ongoing efforts to secure additional funding, the council hopes to complete the entire project, ultimately enhancing the city’s transport network and contributing to a healthier environment for all residents.
The decision to rehabilitate the road is also seen as a vital investment in the city’s infrastructure, which is crucial for supporting local businesses and enhancing economic activity. With improved road conditions, the city aims to attract more investments and improve the overall quality of life for its residents.
Local business owners said they appreciated the council’s decision to prioritise the road repairs.
“This is a much-needed development. The state of the road has been affecting our businesses for too long, and we are hopeful that these repairs will lead to a better environment for commerce,” said one local shopkeeper.
The project is expected to involve not only surface repairs but also improvements to drainage systems to prevent future erosion.
Chafesuka emphasised the importance of creating a sustainable solution that will withstand the heavy traffic loads that the road typically endures.
