By Flata Kavinga
Kwekwe City Council says heavy rains and limited resources continue to hamper efforts to rehabilitate the city’s deteriorating road network, with Mayor Cllr Albert Zinhanga indicating that council is pinning hopes on the establishment of a proposed asphalt plant.
Speaking to journalists shortly after a full council meeting, Cllr Zinhanga acknowledged that temporary road repairs were proving unsustainable, particularly during the rainy season.
“The challenge that we are facing at the moment is that even if we attend to the roads now, we go back to stage one after the rains,” he said. “We are just doing hot patching and as soon as we receive rains, we go back to stage one. All the gravel will be washed away and block the drainages.”
He said the cycle of patching and re-damage was straining council resources and frustrating efforts to provide lasting solutions.
Cllr Zinhanga said council was awaiting confirmation on the approval of its proposed asphalt plant project, which he believes will strengthen the local authority’s capacity to carry out durable road rehabilitation works.
“If it is approved, we will be able to tar our roads,” he said, adding that an operational asphalt plant would allow council to produce its own materials and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
He expressed optimism that the development would mark a turning point in addressing the city’s road challenges.
Kwekwe, like many urban centres, has faced growing complaints from motorists and residents over potholes and damaged roads, particularly following periods of heavy rainfall.
