By Naledi Dube
Masvingo City Council has received a financial boost of 3.5 million ZiG and 4,600 litres of fuel from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) to support ongoing road rehabilitation works across the city.
Council Public Relations Officer, Ashleigh Jinjika, confirmed the development, saying the funding has already contributed to visible improvements on the ground.
“So far, rehabilitation works have covered 8.5 kilometers in residential areas, while 310 parking bays have been painted. We are also undertaking patching of potholes, drain lining, and road compaction as part of the programme,” Jinjika said.
The disbursement comes at a time when Masvingo’s road network has been in urgent need of rehabilitation due to years of wear and tear worsened by heavy rains.
Residents who spoke to this publication welcomed the development, saying it is bringing relief to road users.
One motorist said the painting of parking bays was a welcome move: “Now the bays are clearly visible, which will help reduce confusion and improve order in the city centre.”
Another resident praised the council’s efforts but urged for long-term solutions: “We are happy with the gravelling that has been done, but in the long run we need properly tarred roads that last longer.”
The funds and fuel support are part of a wider Government initiative channeled through ZINARA to assist local authorities countrywide in restoring and upgrading road infrastructure.