Govt commits $33.6 bln for emergency road rehab

Mt Darwin, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Thursday the government has committed $33.6 billion for the emergency rehabilitation of 10 000 kilometres of the country’s rain damaged roads.

Bad roads have over the years been a major contributor to the high number of accidents on the country’s highways.

In February this year the government declared all roads in the country a State of Disaster in order the facilitate the release of funds for maintenance and repair works.

Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the emergency road rehabilitation programme in Mashonaland Central province, President Mnangagwa said the government would urgently act to improve the state of the roads.

“Zimbabweans, our roads are in a state of emergency. It pains me to see so many potholes on our once great highways,” he said.

“We must act urgently. Today my government committed ZW$33.6 billion to rapidly rehabilitate 10 000 kilometres of Zimbabwe’s roads. I will not let you down.”

Under the programme, the government will accelerate rehabilitation and construction of roads and bridges most of which were damaged by recent heavy rains.

At the event, President Mnangagwa commissioned the 300 metre long Karanda Bridge, that provides a link to the famous Roman Catholic run, Karanda Mission Hospital.

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