Tanganda-Ngundu road rehabilitation resumes

THE second phase of the Tanganda-Ngundu road resurfacing works resumed this week after Government released $10 million needed for the remaining 54 kilometre stretch.

Bitumen World, which was awarded the tender, commenced operations last Wednesday and is expected to complete the resurfacing work of the remaining 54km stretch by end of April.

Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development head for Manicaland Mr Atherton Zindoga confirmed the development.

“I can confirm that Bitumen World has resumed operations along the Tanganda-Ngundu road.

“The company is working on 54km stretch of the highway. This follows release of funds by Government.

“As you aware, the company finished the first 30km stretch under phase one last year and we hope they will complete the second phase on time.

“The duration of the contract is three months, so we expect them to complete it by April 2019. The 54km stretch of the road stretches from Rupisi Hot Spring to Checheche growth point,” he said.

The Tanganda-Ngundu highway had over the last years become a death trap for motorists due to its bad condition.

In November 2018, 10 people died after a Green Fuel truck collided head-on with a kombi near Checheche.

The accident was attributed to billowing dust caused by heavy trucks plying the route resulting in visual limitations.

Ward 20 council representative Councilor Charles Mugidho said the road had potential to boost the local economy.

“Many motorists are shunning the road because of its bad state. Its completion will occasion automatic and easy transportation of goods and services that will better the local economy. The farming community will also benefit immensely through market linkages,” he said.