Business Reporter
THE Transport and Infrastructure Development Ministry Thursday officially opened the Beitbridge Road Maintenance Camp in a first step towards the revival of 107 more camps nationwide.
Road maintenance camps were a part of the country’s modus operandi in the years after attainment of independence before their slow death in most parts of the country.
The camps main task is to detect road damages and oversee timely repairs as a proactive measure. The initiative is especially timely to conserve the huge investments injected by the government in road construction projects.
In a key note address to officially open the facility in Beitbridge Thursday, Deputy Transport Minister ,Joshua Sacco said that the camp will go a long way to safeguard the huge investments injected into the transport infrastructure.
Sacco said the road maintenance camp will go a long way to improve road network as well as capacitating responses to emergencies more quickly while enhancing traveler’s safety.
“This is part of our broader vision to make sure that our infrastructure plays a pivotal role in realising the goals of Vision 2030. As most of you will be aware that earlier this year, the Ministry launched a comprehensive, multi-faceted programme designed to fully resuscitate the nation’s network of maintenance camps,” he said.
This strategic initiative, Sacco said moves beyond simple refurbishment, focusing on a holistic upgrade that includes the procurement of state-of-the-art machinery, targeted recruitment and advanced training for personnel.
The deputy minister said the critical investment will not only extend the lifespan of vital road infrastructure, but also enhance commuter safety, boost economic productivity by reducing travel delays, and ultimately build a more resilient and reliable transportation system for all citizens.
“By investing in state-of-the-art road maintenance units, we are taking an important step towards ensuring the safety and efficiency of our maintenance efforts. We are excited about the future and confident that these new units will be pivotal in improving our nation’s infrastructure. But this is only one step in our ongoing journey,” Sacco said.
Also speaking at the event , Matebeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe said the initiatives were a reflection of the government’s shared commitment to improving connectivity, enhancing service delivery, and unlocking economic opportunities for several communities.
“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,” Nguluvhe said.
