Sikhala says Zimbabwe’s roads expose decades of failed governance

National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) leader Job Sikhala has criticised the state of Zimbabwe’s roads, arguing that their deterioration reflects what he described as decades of governance failure under ZANU‑PF.


Sikhala said many roads tarred during the colonial era had deteriorated into fragmented and dangerous stretches, accusing Government of failing to maintain inherited infrastructure. “The roads that Smith left tarred are now patches of old dangerous strips depicting a mosaic of neglect, where the original black tar has long since surrendered to time and the elements,” he said.

He said the condition of the roads sharply contrasted with Government claims of major development achievements. “What remains is a fractured, obstacle‑ridden path that tells a story of decay, the legacy of a rotten Zanu‑PF regime in whose lack of shame pontificates of unimaginable achievements,” he said.

Sikhala argued that the state of the country’s roads should prompt Zimbabweans to critically assess the Government’s development record. “This testimony by this road should tell you a story that ZANU‑PF has brought the decay that will take decades to mend.”

He dismissed claims of transformative development, saying basic infrastructure told a different story. “Only perforated idiots from the other side of the world believe that they have brought development while this level of underdevelopment is testimony of gigantic failure that calls upon regime change.”

Sikhala’s remarks come amid ongoing public debate over Zimbabwe’s deteriorating road network, with motorists and residents frequently raising concerns over potholes, collapsing surfaces and inadequate maintenance. His comments form part of his broader criticism of the ZANU‑PF Government and his calls for political change.

This discussion feeds into wider national debates around infrastructure decline and governance accountability.