Residents delighted as roads reconstruction gathers momentum

Ratidzai Matumbura

VICTORIA FALLs – Victoria Falls residents are appreciative of the  Government’s concerted efforts at reconstruction of roads in the new city. The government-funded project has seen key roads such as Mukali Road, Chinotimba Road and  Mfelandawonye inter alia other roads getting a much needed facelift by way of tarred resurfacing.

 Zvikomborero Moyo, a resident, hailed the government for the sterling work which is still in progress. He reflected the relief shared by the driving fraternity in the city. 

“The government has done a great job indeed and as drivers we are indebted to it for coming through for us. We have been facing insurmountable challenges driving through the erstwhile dilapidated roads and this comes as a big relief for us,” he said.

 Another resident,  Isabel Nyathi said in addition to making life easier for motorists and reducing accidents, refurbishing the roads will go a long way in combating malaria  during the rainy season.

“During the rainy seasons we usually have many cases of malaria. This is due to stagnant water that collects  in the potholes which provide breeding places for mosquitoes,” she said.

 Edith Chuma was all smiles as she related how taxis can now easily access her neighbourhood thus eliminating the walking distance to the main road just to access taxis.

“l am  very happy and thankful for this development. I used to escort my school going child to the main road because  drivers were unwilling to drive through our damaged road. Now the road has been fixed and there is no more need to go to the main road,” said Edith.

 The City Mayor, Somvelo Dlamini told this publication that the Council is hard at work, constructing several roads in the resort city. He also thanked the government for disbursing funds towards the project.

“We are carrying out road reconstruction in most areas of the city. I would like to thank the government for the disbursement of funds to do these through the Emergency Resource Fund (ERF) and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA),” said the Mayor.

However, Mayor Dlamini appealed for more funds to facilitate  the completion of the construction projects ahead of the rain season.

” We are a world class tourism destination and our infrastructure must be of high standards. I Therefore appeal for more disbursement of funds so that our local authority can finish these programs before the next rain season,” he said.

Earlier this year, the government  declared all roads in the country a national disaster in order to facilitate release of funds for maintenance and repair works.