Fuel, human resources shortage hampers BCC road rehab
ACUTE shortages of fuel and human resources have hampered the rehabilitation of Bulawayo’s road network,
Southern Eye has learnt. Alderman Norman Hlabana told a recent council meeting that the local authority was facing labour challenges and failing to patch the potholed roads.
“Potholes have increased during the lockdown. Council has manpower challenges for pothole patching. Pothole patching material had been purchased and works are expected to resume soon. I propose that a joint finance and environmental management committees meeting be held,” he said.
Councillor Felix Mhaka cocurred: “I have noted that council has serious fuel challenges. This is affecting roads rehabilitation and pothole patching. Most of the roads leading to the city centre have a lot of potholes.”
Mhaka said the local authority could also make use of community groups to patch the potholes and he advised council to pay the groups on time.
“Councillor Mlandu Ncube said his concern was that the roads leading to the central business district needed to be revisited and maintained as well.
Councillor Pilate Moyo urged council to produce more storm drain crossing slabs, especially in high-density areas.
“Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo also suggested that council should also backfill trenches after pipe burst repairs, hence the issue of taking too long to backfill the trenches brought about other challenges.”