The City of Harare has admitted responsibility for fixing a deteriorating section of Harare Drive, following concerns that the initial rehabilitation work was substandard.
On Monday, February 24, social media personality Mmatigari raised the issue with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, criticizing the quality of the road repairs. Posting on X, he described the rehabilitation as “a big crooked mess,” pointing out that the road surface along the stretch near Oriel School had developed ridges and uneven contours.
“The contractor who resurfaced Harare Drive from Arcturus Road to ED Mnangagwa Road (formerly Enterprise) shortchanged the people of Zimbabwe,” he wrote. “We can’t keep resurfacing roads only for them to fall apart within two to three years. How can we build the country this way?”
In response, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development clarified that the project was handled by the City of Harare, not the ministry. They stated:
“Please be advised that the section of Harare Drive, stretching from Arcturus Road to ED Mnangagwa Road, was rehabilitated by the City of Harare. This project was not undertaken by the Ministry of Transport & Infrastructural Development. Thank you.”
Harare City Council Takes Responsibility for Faulty Road Repairs
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The following day, the City of Harare confirmed it had contracted a private company to carry out the repairs in 2017. The local authority acknowledged the issues raised and said it was investigating the matter, with plans to address the damage as soon as funds allow.
A statement from the council read:
“Our attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the condition of Harare Drive between Arcturus Road and ED Mnangagwa Road. We confirm that the City of Harare engaged a private contractor for rehabilitation works in 2017.
We are currently looking into the issue and will work on the damaged sections as soon as funding permits. We also emphasize the need for increased financial resources to rehabilitate more link roads and reduce pressure on the main reconstructed routes.
We appreciate the vigilance of residents in highlighting these issues and assure them that corrective measures will be taken.”
