Jambezi residents decry deteriorating roads

Victor Sibanda

Residents of Jambezi, a communal area near Victoria Falls, are facing increasing challenges due to the deteriorating condition of their roads. Once smooth thoroughfares have become riddled with potholes, cracks, gullies, and uneven surfaces, making travel a hazardous and uncomfortable experience for both locals and tourists.

The poor road network poses significant safety risks. The uneven surfaces and potholes can cause accidents, damage vehicles, and lead to injuries. Godfrey Ncube, a curio vendor, shared his struggles: “It’s become difficult to transport souvenirs to the city due to the damaged roads. Tourists’ items sometimes get damaged due to the rough terrain. Indhlovu, Mbizha, and Simubundi roads are in a terrible state. We urge the authorities to address this issue.”

The situation isn’t limited to inconvenience; it’s impacting livelihoods. Horticulture and market gardening enterprises in Chisuma and Jembwe areas are struggling to deliver their produce on time due to the poor roads, leading to spoilage and income loss. Stanely Shoko, a farmer, expressed his frustration: “Our produce is perishable. Deliveries that used to take 30 minutes now take 2 hours, affecting the quality and our income. We don’t have proper roads here. Something needs to be done.”

The poor road conditions negatively impact the local economy. Businesses struggle to receive deliveries and transport goods, while tourism, a crucial sector for Jambezi, suffers as visitors find navigating the area difficult. Residents are calling on local authorities to address the issue immediately.

Residents urge the government to prioritize allocating funds for repairs and maintenance. Additionally, they emphasize the need for a sustainable maintenance plan to ensure the roads don’t fall back into disrepair. Furthermore, they believe engaging the community in decision-making regarding repairs and maintenance is crucial. Anita Dube, a resident, voiced these concerns: “We want to be involved. Open communication and collaboration are essential.”

“These roads are a nightmare,” said Ms. Tendai Moyo, another resident. “It takes twice as long to get anywhere, and my car is constantly getting damaged.” She added that residents haven’t seen significant improvements since the last major resurfacing soon after independence.

The impact extends beyond residents. Mr. Tanaka Sibanda, who runs a shop at Jambezi Business Centre, explained: “Deliveries are taking longer and becoming more expensive due to vehicle damage. This ultimately affects the cost of goods for our customers.”

Residents highlighted that despite repeated pleas, the issue has persisted for several years. They urge the responsible government departments to take immediate action. Councillor Moyo acknowledged the problems and stated the council’s commitment to addressing them within their term and resource constraints. He mentioned exploring funding options to attend to the community’s concerns.

The deteriorating road situation in Jambezi reflects the broader challenge of infrastructure development and maintenance in Zimbabwe. Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort from the government, local authorities, and the community to ensure the safety, well-being of residents, and the continued growth of the local economy.