This decision was revealed yesterday by Minister Felix Mhona during a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of access roads in Mount Hampden.
Minister Mhona emphasised the imperative of addressing potholes, stressing that neglecting road maintenance has led to significant challenges.
He stated, " Government has adopted a zero tolerance for potholes on the country’s roads, and [they] have been neglected for a long time by people who are squandering money meant for road rehabilitation."
Government's commitment to improving road infrastructure was evident in Minister Mhona's assertion that all trunk roads in the country would be attended to.
Minister Mhona said that President Mnangagwa had endorsed this agenda and urged him to prioritise infrastructure development.
"This is in line with Zimbabwe’s vision of creating an upper middle-income economy by 2030," remarked Minister Mhona.
Meanwhile, recent interventions by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) underscore the Government's proactive stance on road maintenance.
ZINARA's prompt action to address hazardous potholes at the Skyline tollgate in Manicaland Province reflects a concerted effort to enhance road safety and driving conditions.
Furthermore, the Government’s procurement of 300 Belarusian tractors aims to bolster the Rural Infrastructural Development Agency (RIDA), enabling the maintenance of rural roads crucial for socio-economic connectivity.
Analyst Calvin Chitsunge said that “the reestablishment of road maintenance units aligns closely with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which emphasises the rehabilitation of damaged road sections and the completion of upgrading projects. This initiative signals the Government's commitment to achieving sustainable socio-economic growth through enhanced infrastructure.”
Chitsunge added that RIDA's pivotal role in upgrading and maintaining rural roads was paramount, as rural connectivity was essential for fostering economic development and improving livelihoods.
As the Government endeavours to address infrastructure challenges, the reinstatement of road maintenance units is a significant step towards realising Zimbabwe's developmental aspirations.
The commitment to prioritising road rehabilitation and maintenance underscores the Government's dedication to improving national infrastructure and fostering economic prosperity for all citizens.
With concerted efforts and strategic investments, Zimbabwe is poised to overcome its infrastructure hurdles and pave the way for a brighter future.
