Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI-Councilors have bemoaned the state of the just completed roads (Denhe, Magwaza and Molly) which were contracted to Tensor Systems by the local authority under the Emergency Roads Rehabilitation Program (ERRP) for poor workmanship citing that they have already started to develop potholes soon after completion.
There have been growing concerns from the communities over shoddy jobs by the Category ‘A’ construction companies that have been contracted on the second phase of the ERRP, including Fossil Contracting, over poor workmanship being exhibited on their construction works.
Debating during the recent full council meeting, councillors came guns blazing against the company which was contracted towards Denhe, Magwaza and Molly roads over its poor workmanship.
Speaking after the presentation of the Environment Committee report, chairperson of the Finance Committee Roger Chikonye posed a question on the criteria used to certify roads which he said from the layman’s views, were not properly done.
“I have a question, though it is not a reflection of the just presented report, what criteria is being used to certify these roads after the contractor has completed construction. Because there have been growing concerns from laymen perspectives that the roads are not up to standard,” said Chikonye.
Ward 4 councillor Liberty Macharaga also came in support of Cllr Chikonye that the type of materials compared from what was being used by Bitumen World on the Ngundu-Tanganda highway were far much different.
“This should be a matter of urgency. The quality of materials that were used on the construction of these roads are poor as compared to what Bitumen World is using on the highway. The stones are not even clinging with the tar,” said Macharaga.
Ropafadzo Makumire who was the Acting chairperson suggested for a separate meeting to deliberate fully on the matter as it was of public concern.
“We should convene a separate meeting to deliberate on these issues. This is a matter of public concern as the quality of work on some of these roads is very worrisome. Even a laymen can tell that the road was not professionally done,” added Makumire.
Acting Town Secretary Engineer Wesley Kauma said the roads were inspected and the contractor was given key areas to look on meaning they are yet to pass.
“The first monitoring visit was contacted and some areas which need corrections were noted. The contractor will soon revisit and correct the areas noted before the second inspection comes. So in general the roads are not yet certified. More so after the inspections, the contractor will be closely monitoring the roads for a year for its durability,” said Kauma.
Meanwhile Fossil Contracting was ordered to re-do some parts of Lion Drive around Chigarapasi after it developed potholes, hours after it was opened to traffic.
