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Makonde RDC has partnered Zinara, through the District Deveolpment Fund, to rehabilitate some of its roads

Conrad Mupesa in MHANGURA
Makonde Rural District Council is re-grading major roads in the district which were destroyed by heavy rains experienced in the 2016-2017 rainy season. The council which targets to regrade at least 400 kilometres of tarred and gravel roads this year, has since January managed to revamp more than 280km in many wards of the district. MRDC engineer Mr Menard Nyikadzino highlighted that various major roads in different wards have so far been given attention.

“About 80km have so far been re-graded since June this year, bringing the total to more than 280km since January. We hope to have covered at least 120km by year end to bring the total to 400km.” Eng Nyikadzino also said about $35 000 had so far been used in the roads restoring process since June this year.

“Including tar patching, culvert drain opening, acquiring of bitumen and other machinery spares, we have so far used about $35 000, the figure also includes bush clearing, labour hiring and fuel,” he added. The council is also currently repairing a few bridges that were destroyed by heavy rains as well.

The council also highlighted that since its one grader is overwhelmed, the one which belongs to Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) has been having constant breakdowns, although repairs are being done, it has not done much. Zinara through District Development Fund (DDF) has been partnered by MRDC to regrade some of the roads in the district. The regrading is expected to speed up inputs distribution as some transporters used to shun the roads due to their state. MRDC chief executive officer Mrs Lahliwe Murefu said regrading is being done on a shoestring budget as withdrawal of levy collection from local authorities had affected road maintenances. Meanwhile, MRDC chairperson Mr Davet Muzvidzwa implored ratepayers to pay their outstanding bills or engage in payment plan terms with the council so that services are provided.