Story by John Nhandara
GOVERNMENT, through the department of Road Maintenance, is continuing with the establishment of road maintenance camps across the country, as part of efforts to enhance the upkeep of the national road network.
The Beitbridge maintenance camp is now complete and fully operational following its official launch by the government, marking another milestone in improving infrastructure maintenance and service delivery nationwide.
The camp, built in a partnership deal between the Government and Zimboaders consortium, will significantly enhance the Department of Roads’ capacity to effectively maintain the country’s road infrastructure.
“This is part of our Beitbridge border infrastructure modernisation project, and the maintenance camp includes facilities such as a workshop and guest houses,” General Manager ZIMBOADERS Consortium, Mr Nqobile Ncube said.
The government says the move is part of an ongoing programme to modernise and digitise the country’s road maintenance infrastructure.
“The road maintenance camp we are unveiling will not only allow us to maintain and improve our road network more effectively but will also enable us to respond to emergencies more quickly, and ultimately provide a smoother, safer experience for every traveller on our roads,” Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Joshua Sacco said.
The move is a significant step in decentralising and strengthening the country’s capacity for sustained road upkeep.
“We are proud to begin with the commissioning of the Department of Roads’ new Road Maintenance Unit Camp, a strategic facility that will serve as a hub for road maintenance operations in Beitbridge District. This investment will greatly improve our responsiveness and efficiency in preserving our road assets, especially for the newly constructed Beitbridge Masvingo Highway,” Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe said.
The government has since set a target to replicate the Beitbridge maintenance unit model in all the country’s provinces, with efforts to procure equipment also underway.
