Water, not traffic, biggest threat to Zim roads: Govt

Poor drainage systems, worsened by blocked waterways and littering in urban areas, are a major cause of Zimbabwe’s deteriorating roads, the government has said, as motorists continue to complain about the poor quality of many key routes. The Minister of Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, told the Senate of Zimbabwe during a recent question-and-answer session that stagnant water is accelerating damage to road surfaces, particularly during the rainy season. He said many cities are increasingly prone to flooding because drainage systems are clogged by waste, despite repeated efforts by local authorities to clear them.

“The number one enemy to our roads is water. When we allow water to flow over the surface of our roads, it ultimately leads to significant damage,” Mr Mhona said.“It is paramount that we incorporate effective drainage systems whenever we construct new roads.” Zimbabwe’s road network remains in a poor state in many areas, making travel difficult for motorists, especially during periods of heavy rain. The government is rehabilitating roads under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme, which has been extended to December 2027 to allow continued upgrading of key routes.

Among those under rehabilitation are the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway, Bulawayo–Nkayi Road, Harare–Kanyemba Road and Matopos Road. Mr Mhona said the ministry is now prioritising drainage in all new road construction and reviewing policies to deal with weaknesses on existing roads. “We face challenges with existing roads, particularly in our cities, where drainage systems are often clogged,” he said.“We will continue to educate the public about the importance of keeping our environments clean and preventing the clogging of drainage systems.” The minister said improving drainage alongside road construction was essential to prevent recurring damage and protect public investment in infrastructure. In Bulawayo, residents and motorists who frequently use Matopos Road have expressed mixed reactions to ongoing rehabilitation works, saying the project may offer only temporary relief.