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Hwange receives $2,2m for roads rehab

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THE Hwange Local Board (HLB) has only received $2,2 million out of the $11 million promised for its road rehabilitation programme under phase one of the project.

BY SILAS NKALA

THE Hwange Local Board (HLB) has only received $2,2 million out of the $11 million promised for its road rehabilitation programme under phase one of the project.

This was revealed in HLB’s latest report, which stated that the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) had expressed satisfaction on the work being carried out by the local authority under the emergency road rehabilitation programme.

HLB was allocated $158 million in 2021 under the programme.

Zinara Matabeleland North provincial technician Enock Masocha said late disbursement of the funds would tarnish the image of the programme.

“We don’t want a situation whereby people are not paid because it tarnishes the image of the entire programme. The council should make sure it applies for financial disbursements on time, but otherwise I’m impressed by the standard of work so far,” Masocha said.

Provincial development co-ordinator Sithandiwe Ncube expressed concern over the snail’s pace at which the rehabilitation works were being implemented in the initial stages.

“The funding is there but I’m a bit worried about the pace in implementing the project by local authorities. I am, however, glad that we have picked up the tempo and we are now on track and moving with speed. I am saying let’s utilise the money before it depreciates in value,” she said.

Phase one of the project is meant to fund vegetation and drainage clearance, as well as pothole patching.

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