From Lovemore Kadzura in Rusape
THE Rusape Town Council has embarked on massive road maintenance courtesy of the $1,5 million it received from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration. The maintenance is focusing mainly on the Central Business District and industrial pothole infested roads, some of which have become virtually impassable.
The acting Rusape town secretary, Mr Darlington Museka, said the council on its own did not have the capacity to fund major road maintenance work due to limited funds.
He added that maintenance would go a long way in cementing relationship between the council and ratepayers.
"The council on its own cannot embark on major road maintenance because our budget is very limited that is why we approached Zinara. Road maintenance of this magnitude will improve the relationship between residents, the business community and the council," he said.
Drawcard Construction was awarded the tender to carry out the maintenance work.
Mr Museka expressed confidence in work done so far and said Zinara inspectors were expected in the near future to look at the progress done so far.
"We are ready for Zinara inspectors, in fact they were supposed to come last week, but they didn't. We are sure that we will reach our 8km target," he said.
One motorist who declined to be named said at least the council was moving in the right direction.
"For a council that used to fill potholes with gravel, I think what they are doing now is the right way. Now I can safely drive my car in the town," said the motorist.
Meanwhile, Mr Museka said that the poor service delivery and challenges faced by the council was as a result of non-payment of rates and bills by residents.
He said the council was owed over $2 million by defaulting residents.
"We try our best to provide service to the residents, but if they default we will definitely fail to provide quality and standard service. Residents owe the council over $2 million. We have engaged the councillors and residents association on how best we can recover the arrears without confrontations," said Mr Museka.