The Ministry of Transport has launched emergency pothole patching on the crumbling Seke Road, declaring it the first phase of a long-promised total rehabilitation stretching to the Marondera 10 km peg.
With the artery linking the capital to eastern suburbs and beyond reduced to a notorious obstacle course, Director of Roads Engineer Jarawani Kangara confirmed to this publication that contractor teams are currently deployed on initial stopgap repairs.
“The first phase, which is pothole patching to make the road minimally motorable, is actively underway. We have crews on the ground right now,” said Engineer Kangara.
However, he revealed that the critical, comprehensive rehabilitation project remains in bureaucratic limbo.
The Ministry has identified and engaged contractors for the full-scale exercise but is stalled awaiting the mandatory approval from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ).
“We have since brought on board players to execute the complete reconstruction of Seke Road up to the 10 km peg outside Marondera. "But we cannot move until we get the necessary procurement clearance. We have submitted everything and are awaiting that decision,” he said.
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He said the urgency, noting that the worsening road condition and the impending rainfall season create a tight window for major works.
“Every day of delay complicates the project. We are ready to start the major work the moment we get the approval."
The engineer sought to assure frustrated motorists and haulage companies, but tempered expectations with the reality of administrative and climatic hurdles.
“The public should know that the plan is approved and the funding is allocated. This is a procurement process, not a question of will. The commitment from the highest levels is there,” he asserted in his second key quote.
Yet, he issued a stark warning about the impact of further delays, pointing to the heavens as a formidable enemy to roadworks.
“The coming rains are a major threat. If we cannot commence the full reconstruction soon, we risk being held hostage by the wet season, which would push substantial progress into next year. The time to act is now."
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