Source: Road rehab unlocks economic potential in Chivi – herald
Herald Reporter
FOR some time, travelling along damaged roads in Chivi Central had become a daily struggle for villagers, schoolchildren, transport operators and farmers, hindering the people’ participation in the wider economy.
During the rainy season, some sections of the roads turned into muddy traps, cutting off communities from business centres, clinics and schools.
But the ongoing rehabilitation of key roads in the constituency is now changing that reality, with villagers saying the improvements are beginning to restore confidence in rural economic activity and improve mobility across the district. In his pursuit to fulfil President Mnangagwa’s call for development that leaves no one and no place behind, Chivi Central legislator, Cde Exevia Maoneke, is spearheading the roads transformation that has brought optimism across the constituency.
The rehabilitation works are gathering momentum on many of the roads, including the Gwitima-Mafuta and Chivi-Shokoni arteries. Heavy machinery has become a common sight in the area, as grading and rehabilitation works continue, bringing renewed hope to communities that have long battled the poor connection as the roads were last rehabilitated some decades ago.
Speaking during an inspection of the projects recently, Cde Maoneke said improving road infrastructure was central to unlocking development in rural communities.
“When roads are improved, development follows naturally because communities become connected to opportunities,” he said.
“Investors, transport operators, teachers, health workers and businesses all depend on accessible roads. A community cannot develop without proper roads. Roads are the arteries of economic growth because they connect people to opportunities, markets, schools, clinics and business centres.
“The roads rehabilitation we are carrying out in Chivi is part of our quest to take part in the realisation of Vision 2030 by facilitating that people participate in economic activities without any hindrances. This has always been the call from President Mnangagwa that Vision 2030 has to be realised and it is everyone’s duty to participate in enabling that.”
Cde Maoneke said the roads rehabilitation programme was designed to improve accessibility across Chivi Central, while creating a conducive environment for trade, agriculture and investment.
“We want farmers to move their produce to markets without losses caused by transport delays,” he said. “We want school children to travel safely and teachers, nurses and businesses to operate efficiently. Good roads change lives and stimulate rural development.
“In many rural areas, development is slowed down by infrastructure. Once roads are rehabilitated, communities begin to experience growth in agriculture, trade, education and service delivery.”
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