Mhona engages mayors Coltart, Mafume over road maintenance collaboration

HARARE - Government is intensifying efforts to rehabilitate Zimbabwe's road network, particularly in major urban centres such as Harare and Bulawayo, following a high‑level meeting between Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona and local authorities.

Speaking in Harare after the meeting, which brought together mayors and road authorities to forge a national road maintenance partnership, Mhona said development must transcend political differences and align with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's vision of "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo".

"Our main aim for this meeting is to advance the realisation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's vision of *Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo* and ensure his mantra of leaving no one and no place behind continues to be fulfilled. We are including all local and major road authorities countrywide as we connect and maintain both city and major roads," Mhona said.

He emphasised unity of purpose, saying Zimbabweans share the same infrastructure regardless of ideology or geography.

"We need to collaborate and ensure all our roads are maintained without blame‑shifting, but by uniting to develop, maintain and construct roads that support ease of doing business, trade, and the movement of goods and services," he added.

Mhona also acknowledged the role of citizens, media, content creators and comedians who highlight road defects, saying their watchdog role keeps authorities accountable.

"We applaud the media, comedians, celebrities and content creators whose work is a wake‑up call whenever we fail to deliver. Everything you post, we act on as a team to correct abnormalities," he said.

Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart welcomed the collaboration, saying it comes at a crucial time when urban residents require efficient service delivery.

"We appreciate the government's initiative through Minister Mhona. This collaboration will transform and improve our road infrastructure," Coltart said.

He added that local authorities should partner with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to run awareness campaigns aimed at restoring urban cleanliness.

"It is important to embark on educational programmes from early childhood to primary levels, as children often contribute to littering due to lack of environmental awareness," he said.

Representing Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, Councillor Prince Mutebuka said the partnership signals genuine commitment to improving urban infrastructure.

"The discussions show that government is committed to restoring dignity to our urban road network. This initiative is a genuine one for Zimbabwe and its citizens," Mutebuka said.

He added that improved road maintenance would enhance ease of doing business and revive both urban and rural road networks.

The engagement follows President Mnangagwa's extension of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 (ERRP2) to 2026, aimed at modernising Zimbabwe's transport system and positioning the country as a regional logistics hub under Vision 2030.

The collaboration is expected to accelerate improvements on major highways and urban roads, with particular focus on drainage systems and safety infrastructure along key economic corridors linking Zimbabwe to the Southern African Development Community (SADC).