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Patrick Chitumba Midlands Bureau Chief
GWERU City Council has started repairing roads in the Midlands capital after getting over $2 million from the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration. The works are being undertaken by Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd, which won the $2,3 million tender under the emergency roads rehabilitation programme phase two. Town Clerk Ms Elizabeth Gwatipedza said the local authority was earmarked to receive $721 000 from zinara, but the amount was revised upwards to $2,3 million.

“We have given a company called Bitumen World a $2,3 million tender to rehabilitate some roads under the emergency roads rehabilitation programme phase two. Roads earmarked are Senga Round- about road which goes right to the gate of Midlands State University and that will cost $1,8 million. The rest of the money will be used to rehabilitate some portions of roads in Mkoba,” she said. She said part of the Senga Road will be resealed. Ms Gwatipedza said council in September used $1,3 million to rehabilitate roads in the city centre and Mkoba suburbs.

“As long as we get the funds from zinara and our own sources, we will continue prioritising road maintenance,” she said. Ms Gwatipedza said council was looking for $500 000 for public lighting.

“Our streets need lighting and that will come at a cost of over $500 000 which we do not have at the moment. But we will continue to look for fund- ing. We are also calling on community members’ participation in activities such as cleaning of stormdrains and I believe it is cheaper if we consider community engagement for some small programmes,” she said.