VILLAGERS and the business community in Nyamandlovu have called on the authorities to expedite the upgrade, repair and reconstruction of the road that connects the farming area with Bulawayo, saying the poor state of the highway has a negative effect on business and development.
Nyamandlovu, which is in Umguza district, is accessed through the strip road which has never received serious attention from the local council and government. The road also links the farming community to Tsholotsho.
Littered with potholes, the road poses a danger to motorists.
The Zambezi Times made its way to Nyamandlovu to experience the condition of the road.
It was revealed by farmers and businesses that there was a record loss of revenue for many business owners including schools and churches.
There is fear that the situation will become more dire and precarious when the rains start in November.
Farmers use the road to deliver agro-produce and for other related supplies. It has emerged that some businesses in the city of Bulawayo have opted to cancel deliveries to the area, citing the poor state of the road.
The effect is even worse on villagers who rely on essential service providers at this time of Covid-19. Travelling to Bulawayo and back is now risky.
Nicholas Nguni a farmer in the area told The Zambezi Times that if the road was not attended too soon, it would spell disaster for the business community.
“We are at a disadvantage because of this road. For years there was never an attempt to fix it. How do we do business in the city and bring supplies here when the road is like this?
“Surely something has to give. Where is Umguza Rural District Council in all this? At least they have to find a solution before the onset of the rains. The hardship brought by this road network is overwhelming. The road was simply abandoned,” said Nguni.
Some of the business proprietors, mostly shop owners who spoke with Zambezi Times said development projects have stalled.
“This road is an access route to the city. It has suffered steady deterioration in the last three decades or so. All major development projects have been put to a halt because of the road. Only people who drive big cars can use it without complaining. It is a pity for Nyamandlovu.”
The road stretch from Bulawayo was last year patched but, surprisingly only 2,4 KM was attended to.
An engineer with the Roads Department Stephen Kumutema is on record saying they planned to fix the road in 20 KM phases.
