Farmers overjoyed with road repairs after 20 years

RESETTLED A1 farmers at Chipadze farm, about 10 km from Bindura town who were cut off for two decades due to the bad state of their road, have thanked the Government for rehabilitating the gravel road which gives them access to clinics and markets.

Mashonaland Central received over $1,4 billion towards the first phase of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme ( ERRP) and Bindura, Mt Darwin and Guruve, have recorded significant progress in improving the road network.

Chief Chipadze could not hide his joy and said no vehicle wanted to ply their route and they relied on tractors, scotch carts to reach the Bindura-Shamva highway, about 7km away.

“We were resettled in the year 2000 but ever since, our major challenge was taking our produce to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB). Today, the Government has remembered its people and it is giving us joy,” he said.

“Women would give birth on their way to the hospital. We would carry our sick relatives to Avril looking for transport. No motorist wanted to ply this route, even bread delivery trucks.

“We were isolated, teachers refused to be deployed at our secondary schools.”

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Monica Mavhunga, said President Mnangagwa launched the ERRP at the opening of Karanda Bridge in April this year in Mt Darwin.

“We were not an exception, our roads were damaged and were considered under the programme. Damaged roads lead to inaccessibility making it difficult to facilitate movement for people and economic activities are also slowed down,” she said.

“It is commendable that Bindura RDC is a mile ahead in improving roads under the ERRP programme. It is important that local authorities receive Government projects and take them to the people.

“Local authorities play a pivotal role in supporting developmental efforts especially in the area of economic growth. Road access needs constant attention as most developmental projects rely on road networks.

“As we transition towards the National

Development Strategy 1, which resonates with devolution, it is critical to transform our work to improve our Gross Domestic Product and offer services to the people.”

Minister Mavhunga said the days of sleeping on duty and neglecting service delivery were now in the past and everyone is required to work to ensure people get good services.

She added that the ERRP was a commitment to Vision 2030 of an empowered upper middle income society.

Bindura RDC chairperson Alderman Gilbert Jonga said most roads under their jurisdiction were in a bad state following extensive damage by heavy rains received this year.

“Besides re- gravelling of Chipadze- Shamva road and bituminous resurfacing of Manhenga-Dengu road, council is working on other roads using its funds,” he said.

“We are working on the construction of Chinhenga Bridge which was washed away by the heavy rains. Motorised grading, drain opening and bush clearance of several roads totalling 105 kilometres since the beginning of the year.”