Staff Reporter
The long awaited rehabilitation of the Kwekwe–Silobela Road has progressed to Silobela Rural Service Centre, following efforts led by Silobela legislator Jonah Nyevera and support from government and private sector stakeholders.
Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mpungu said recent heavy rains caused widespread damage to road infrastructure across the district, affecting Kwekwe City, Redcliff and Zibagwe Rural District Council.
“As I speak, most of our roads are pothole-riddled and we are making efforts to ensure they are trafficable again,” Mpungu said in an interview.
He said the Kwekwe–Silobela Road has already been rehabilitated up to the crossroads at Silobela Rural Service Centre after Nyevera mobilised resources with assistance from mining companies and other stakeholders, including Jena Mines.
Mpungu said the district has adopted a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to address infrastructure challenges, with similar rehabilitation works planned for the Kwekwe–Mvuma Road.
“We have mobilised resources from key stakeholders such as Zimasco, ACF and other miners in the area. ACF has availed a grader and fuel, while our three local authorities will provide road equipment,” he said.
He added that works on the Kwekwe–Mvuma Road are expected to begin after Independence Day, with authorities aiming to complete the rehabilitation by the end of April. District-wide road repairs are targeted for completion by the end of May.
Mpungu also confirmed damage to key infrastructure, including the Camelot Bridge along the Kwekwe–Mvuma Road, which has since been rehabilitated with assistance from local communities and farmers.
Efforts are ongoing to repair a washed-away footbridge in Ward 13 to ensure safe access for schoolchildren when the next term begins.
The district has compiled a report on rain-induced damage, which will be submitted to the Department of Civil Protection for further assistance.
Mpungu said government is expected to begin resurfacing works on the Kwekwe–Silobela Road soon, following the allocation of funds.
