Opposition Mkoba South legislator John Kuka has urged the government to take urgent action in rehabilitating the Gweru-Matobo road, citing its strategic importance for economic connectivity not only in the Midlands province but across the country.
The Gweru-Matobo road is a key transport route linking agricultural and mining areas to urban centres.
During a question-and-answer session in Parliament last week, Kuka noted that minerals and farm produce were transported along the road, yet it continues to deteriorate.
"The road brings revenue to the country because of the different minerals that we find in Gweru," Kuka said.
"From the Gweru roundabout, past Mtapa Cemetery leading to Matobo, the road is not accessible due to congestion.
“When you look at the Mtapa market, where farmers bring their produce, there is a lot of congestion."
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Kuka warned that the congestion posed serious risks of road accidents, which could result in loss of life and property.
"In Harare, this is a challenge that we are already experiencing," he said.
"Looking at the Trabablas project, this can be replicated in Gweru so that we can be able to access Matobo and other areas."
In response, Transport minister Felix Mhona acknowledged that most roads in the country required rehabilitation.
Mhona said sections of the Gweru-Matobo road had deteriorated due to prolonged use with limited maintenance interventions, as well as an increase in traffic volumes, particularly from heavy mining and commercial vehicles.
He said the government has plans to rehabilitate the road under the second phase of its rehabilitation programme.
"The road has been earmarked for rehabilitation under the ongoing Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2," Mhona said.
"The proposed rehabilitation works are expected to significantly improve road safety.”
According to Mhona, the gravel section will undergo grading to improve trafficability, while pothole patching and bush clearing will be carried out along the 38.5km narrow surface section to enhance visibility, safety and overall road condition.
Mhona said in the interim, the road was being attended to under the Rural Roads Routine Maintenance Programme.
He, however, challenged parliamentarians to use their budgeting powers to push for road rehabilitation funds so that all roads in the country could be resuscitated.
"I am clear that this August House is empowered with budgeting," the minister said.
"So, Parliament has the onus to provide funding for road rehabilitation, and as a nation we need to budget for road rehabilitation."
The ERP2 is a government initiative aimed at addressing the country's deteriorating road infrastructure.
It was introduced after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the state of the country’s roads a national disaster.