By Staff Reporter
Masvingo City Council has admitted to using substandard paint for recent road markings, following backlash from the public over the markings that faded within two weeks.
Masvingo Mayor Alec Tabe made the revelation during a press briefing held recently confirming that the paint used was of poor quality and had since been returned to the supplier.
The admission was made after concern was raised over the rapid deterioration of new zebra crossings and other markings, particularly on major roads like Josiah Tongogara Street.
“We have noted the concerns by residents about the paint used for road markings across the city. We returned all the supplies to the supplier after realizing the paint was of poor quality and not fit for purpose. We’ve asked for a better product, which has delayed progress on marking the roads,” said Tabe.
Council failed to provide the name of the supplier during the press briefing and said the procurement department were not present in the meeting
The issue came under the spotlight after TellZim News reported on barely-visible zebra crossings. The council’s attempt to redo the markings proved futile when they faded again in less than two weeks, drawing more criticism from residents.
Parents and residents were particularly alarmed by the fading markings near schools, raising safety concerns and questioning the value for money in council projects that fail to last.
In line with broader concerns about road maintenance, Tabe said the city had plans to buy a motorised grader using ZWL$5.2 million from the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA). The funds will also support regraveling 16 roads (totaling 10km) and pothole patching on 55 roads (1km total).
“The just ended rainy season left a trail of severe damage to roads and storm water drainage infrastructure in the city. For the year 2025 we have planned to purchase a motorised grader, regravel 16 roads with total chainange of 10km, pothole patching on 55 roads totaling 1km,” said Tabe.
Tabe also said council had plans to ring-fence funds from prepaid parking to maintain roads in the Central Business District as the one from ZINARA is not enough.
“The funding from ZINARA is not enough to cover the maintenance work that needs to be done to make our roads trafficable across the city. Part of the revenue being generated from pre-paid is going to ring-fenced and used for maintenance of roads in CBD,” he said.
