Umguza RDC pledges equipment for Bulawayo-Tsholotsho road work

Umguza Rural District Council has committed to providing machinery to assist in the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road. The council made this pledge during a groundbreaking ceremony for the community-led road project held at Nyamandlovu on Friday.

Acting chairperson Councillor Getrude Gumpo stated that the council decided to support the initiative even though the road falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development. She noted that the route is vital for the district as it links local communities to schools, health centres, and markets for livestock and vegetables.

The council's contribution to the project will consist of a 30-tonne machine, three tipper trucks, and two low-bed trucks. This intervention aims to facilitate the faster and safer movement of people and goods, specifically helping residents reach essential services in Bulawayo.

While supporting the state road, the council faces a significant maintenance backlog across its own 800km network of earth, gravel, and surfaced roads. Councillor Gumpo acknowledged that the council must balance this assistance with the need to maintain roads within its own wards to avoid local dissatisfaction.

The rehabilitation project is expected to benefit several areas, including Wards 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, and 15. The council described the move as a collaborative effort between local authorities, the government, and the community to address infrastructure needs and create economic opportunities for traders and farmers.