Faith Ndou
Masvingo City councillors have raised concern over the deteriorating state of roads in the city calling for urgent maintenance ahead of three major upcoming events set to draw significant traffic into the city.
Addressing a full council meeting yesterday, Ward 9 Councillor Benard Muchokwa said road rehabilitation must be prioritised as the city prepares to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani – World Tourism Expo, Inter-Municipal Games and Disability Expo.
“Masvingo is preparing to host an international event, the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe Tourism Expo, Inter-Municipal Games and Disability Expo which will result in high traffic volumes in the city,” said Muchokwa.
“We expect roads to be maintained before these events.”
“When I leave my house as a councillor, I lose value because of the state of roads in my neighbourhood due to potholes,” he added.
Masvingo City Mayor, Councillor Alec Tabe acknowledged that road maintenance remains a pressing issue requiring immediate attention.
The City of Masvingo has allocated 7% of its 2026 budget towards road maintenance, with road-marking equipment worth US$1.2 million expected to be delivered this month which were purchased last year.
Council indicated that road rehabilitation will be treated as a priority to ensure the city is adequately prepared to host the high profile events scheduled for this year.
