Matebeleland's neglected roads in a state of disrepair

The road network in Matebeleland has sharply deteriorated following recent rains, raising safety concerns for motorists, particularly as the festive season approaches. Opposition figures and development practitioners have blamed poor maintenance, administrative inefficiency, and corruption for worsening travel conditions.

Freedom Alliance chairperson Mqondisi Ndebele highlighted the heightened risks for travelers crossing borders from Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Eswatini, and South Africa. "Many drive long distances and switch from well-maintained highways to hazardous roads in Nkayi, Tsholotsho, Lupane, Kezi, or Sogwala," he said. Ndebele also criticized the convoluted border clearance process at Beitbridge, noting multiple checkpoints that duplicate procedures already handled at the border post.

The state of infrastructure is equally concerning, with bridges such as Tshangane lacking rails and Gwelo bridge reported as broken. Ndebele called for urgent repairs to roads and bridges to ensure safe travel.

Development practitioner Thembelani Dube attributed the poor road conditions to substandard workmanship by contractors and inadequate oversight from authorities. "The motoring public bears the brunt as vehicles' suspensions are constantly damaged, and commuting is consistently delayed," he said.

The Mthwakazi Republic Party's president, Mqondisi Moyo, condemned the proliferation of roadblocks, describing them as harassment targeting residents returning from South Africa. "Confiscating household goods and foodstuffs is not revenue collection. Checking Zimbabwean citizens' passports inland is not border control. It is state-sanctioned harassment, intimidation, and oppression," Moyo said. He noted that large-scale commercial transporters face minimal scrutiny, while impoverished families carrying small essential items are disproportionately punished.

The worsening state of roads, coupled with administrative inefficiencies and increased roadblocks, has left motorists vulnerable, prompting calls for urgent government intervention to improve road safety and restore efficient travel conditions across Matebeleland.