Story by John Nhandara

A section of Julius Nyerere Way in Harare, which was under construction has been opened to traffic with the government giving an assurance that all roads in bad shape will be attended to.

“The scope of work is the first 12,6 kilometres from Julius Nyerere footbridge to Westgate roundabout. Our scope was to reap the top asphalt that was cracked and then replace it with a 200mm depth of base material. The asphalt base we introduced for this section is the latest technology which is 3 times stronger than the conventional we have been using,” said Fossil Contracting’s head of operations, Engineer Kudakwashe Maguta.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona expressed satisfaction with the work ethic and progress in the rehabilitation of the roads using domestic resources.

“We are delighted to witness tremendous works on this particular section. The idea behind this is to rehabilitate roads to make sure we will not leave anyone behind. So, you will see us moving from this particular section going towards 2nd Street to Lomagundi and Westgate roundabout.”

Harare City Council Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume applauded the gesture by the government in the rehabilitation of the roads saying the city council will follow suit to complement government efforts.

“We are in discussions with the ministry to repair our asphalt plant and our quarry and that we go to the roads to the wards and districts where our people come from so that we have a sustainable action plan towards rehabilitation of roads.”

Several roads in Harare are receiving a facelift with remarkable progress also being made on access roads to Mt Hampden where the new Parliament building is located.