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Manicaland Correspondent
MUTASA district has this year received over $400 000 from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of at least six roads.

Some of the projects, which started early this year and were expected to be complete by the end of this month, might fail to meet deadlines following the recent increase in te prices of most materials.

According to Mutasa Rural District Council engineer Mr Tendai Danana, the projects include the construction and gravelling of the 1,3-kilometre Chakonda Road, the 3,5km Premier Road, pothole patching and road reconstruction on the 1,8km Imbeza Road.

He said the money also catered for the Hauna Road drainage works and construction of five culverts and a 150-metre stormwater drain, as well as the Koodsberg and the Grange roads.

Mr Danana said the district was rehabilitating four roads and doing routine maintenance works on three others.

“The four roads that we are working on include Fairview Road, which is worth $80 000,” he said. “The road links Old Mutare Hospital to Penhalonga, Tsvingwe. It serves Africa University, resettled farmersand schoolchildren among many others.

“Over 5 000 people rely on this road. We are regravelling 4km and we are also going to construct four culverts. So far, half a kilometre has been gravelled. We expect the project to be complete by end of November.”

Eng Danana said blocked culverts led to poor drainage of water from the road infrastructure, hence the water damages the road structure rendering some sections impassable.

Among other road constructions, EngDanana said the district was also working on the Imbeza Road whose completion might be delayed owing to the increase in prices for consumbables.

“The road serves Imbeza Estate School, a hotel and farming community and over 1 000 villagers,” he said. “Imbeza Road will get a 1,8km pothole patching and 650 metres road reconstruction. Pothole patching is in progress.

“We are in the process of engaging the contractors on the price challenges being experienced. Generally, this problem has affected all our contractors such that the intended output may not be fully realised. Due to these challenges completion is unforeseen this year.”

Mutasa RDC chief executive Mr George Bandure said although most projects were behind schedule, the situation was expected to change in the near        future.

“I am happy to report that with the easing of the fuel supply situation, we hope that we will be back on track to finish some of the projects within the proposed timeline,” he said.