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From George Maponga  in Masvingo
Bikita Rural District Council has set aside $370 000 to rehabilitate the dilapidated road network across the district and install street lights at Nyika Growth Point.

The road network across the district was severely affected by heavy rains that pounded Bikita during the past few weeks.

Areas such as Mutikizizi, Mukore, Budzi and Chiremwaremwa were now virtually accessible by road, with villagers in the area facing transport challenges after transporters chose to withdraw their vehicles.

Nyika Growth Point, which is the district’s commercial capital, has also been undergoing a facelift with installation of street lights expected to further enhance its status as the biggest urban settlement in the district.

Bikita RDC chief executive Mr Peter Chibi said council was working flat out to upgrade roads some of which were in a state of disrepair.

He said some of the funds were from internal sources while additional funding was expected to come from ZINARA for road repairs.

“We have set aside $320 000 for rehabilitating roads across the district while we expect to spend about $50 000 on street lights,’’ he said.

The Bikita RDC chief executive said council was also considering various ways of boosting its coffers to improve service delivery.

Mr Chibi said council was pinning its hopes on increased revenue inflow from trophy fees that would be realised from joint wildlife safari operations at Save Valley conservancy.

Most remote parts of Bikita were seriously affected by heavy rains that pounded the district between end of January to mid February.