Residents raise alarm over deteriorating road infrastructure in communities

Residents across Zimbabwe have raised growing concern over the state of roads within suburbs and local communities, warning that deteriorating infrastructure is affecting daily life, business operations and access to essential services.

The concerns emerged during a weekly community engagement initiative hosted by the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART), which is currently focusing on infrastructure development, particularly road construction and rehabilitation.

While acknowledging government efforts to upgrade major highways through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, residents noted a stark contrast between national road projects and conditions within residential areas.

"Highways are being prioritised, which is important for economic growth, but the roads where people actually live are being neglected," ZNOART said in a statement.

Residents reported widespread challenges, including pothole‑ridden roads, poor or non‑existent drainage systems, and dusty conditions during the dry season that turn into muddy, impassable routes during the rains. These conditions, they said, are contributing to increased vehicle maintenance costs, higher transport fares and reduced accessibility for emergency services such as ambulances and fire brigades.

In many areas, residents also expressed frustration with local authorities, who are mandated to maintain urban roads but are perceived to be failing in their responsibilities.

"Local councils are not responding adequately to complaints. In some cases, roads have gone for years without any meaningful maintenance," one resident said during the discussion.

ZNOART is now calling for urgent intervention, including the rehabilitation of roads within suburbs, improved accountability in the use of road maintenance funds, and full implementation of devolution policies to ensure communities directly benefit from national infrastructure programmes.

The organisation emphasised that infrastructure development should not be limited to major highways but must also address the needs of ordinary citizens in their neighbourhoods.

"Infrastructure development must not only be visible on highways — it must be felt where people live, work and raise families," the organisation said.

ZNOART has encouraged residents to continue sharing their experiences and proposals, saying community voices are essential in driving policy changes and improving service delivery across the country.