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Midlands Reporters
BITUMEN World, a construction company contracted by City of Gweru to resurface the road from Mkoba 5 turn-off to Mkoba 15 turnoff, has resumed work after stopping for about three weeks.

The resumption of work followed Zimbabwe National Road Administration’s settling of a $700 000 debt that was owed to the company. Motorists and public transporters in Mkoba were now using detours to get around the areas being rehabilitated by the contractor after work stalled as Bitumen World demanded its dues.

The company suspended operations at a critical stage in a bid to force Zinara to release the funds. Gweru Mayor Councillor Charles Chikozho confirmed the resumption of work.

“We have managed to pay $700 000, which was owed to Bitumen after Zinara availed the money. Bitumen World has, therefore, resumed road rehabilitation after downing tools last year,” he said. Clr Chikozho said Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo had given his assurance that the project would be completed.

“Minister Joram Gumbo assured Gweru City Council (GCC) last week that Zinara was going to clear the debt for the continuation of the roads resurfacing project, which had stalled and we are glad that the project has resumed,” he said. Already, Bitumen World has completed the rehabilitation of Senga Roundabout Turnoff to Midlands State University (MSU) after winning a $2,3 million tender. Clr Chikozho said after rehabilitating major roads, the local authority would start resurfacing roads within the suburbs, which were in bad shape.

“The main focus at the moment is to rehabilitate major roads like the City-Mkoba Road and the City-Senga Road After completing the work, we will work on rehabilitating roads within the suburbs. Our aim this year is to rehabilitate the entire road network in the city, which is in very bad shape,” he said.