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Climate change and economic growth top agenda at conference

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The African Roads Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) conference in Victoria Falls, is wrapping up today, after two days of intense discussions on the urgent need for collaboration and regional cooperation to address climate change and promote economic growth.

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Dr. George Manyaya, Chairman of ZINARA (Zimbabwe National Road Administration), set the tone for the conference, emphasizing the importance of sustainable road infrastructure.

“Roads are a critical enabler for all economic activity, linking people, goods, and services,” he said.

“As emerging economies we have the honourous task of accelerating development and maintenance simultaneously, therefore the responsibility on our shoulders is immense. It has been further compounded by the effects of climate change which we cannot ignore, and therefore we cannot afford to act in silos. Indeed collaboration and cooperation are the new business models that we must adopt and leverage for sustainable discharge of our responsibilities as road fund managers.”

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Officially opening the conference, Engineer Pedzisayi Joy Makumbe, Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development, echoed Manyaya’s sentiments, noting that the state of roads is a regional priority, affecting trade, economic growth, and livelihoods.

“Our discussions today come at a time when the state of our roads is of utmost concern, not only as a matter of national interest but as a regional priority,” she said.

“We must explore the possibility of pooling funds for large, cross-border projects or jointly financing road rehabilitation programs that serve the entire Southern African region…However, across much of the region, road authorities face significant challenges, including limited technical expertise, outdated equipment, and inefficient procurement systems. In many cases, the coordination between road funds and road authorities is weak, leading to delays in project implementation and cost overruns.”

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To address these challenges, she said countries must invest in building the capacity of road authorities, training and up skilling technical staff, adopting new road maintenance technologies, and improving project management systems.

The conference highlighted the symbiotic relationship between road funds and road authorities, emphasizing trust, transparency, and accountability.

“The relationship between road funds and road authorities is critical to ensuring the sustainable maintenance of our road networks,” Makumbe stressed.

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“Road funds must ensure the timely and adequate disbursement of resources, while road authorities must demonstrate that they are utilizing these funds efficiently and effectively to deliver tangible results.”

As the conference draws to a close today, delegates from across the region are expected to leave with actionable solutions for sustainable road maintenance and development.

“We must break down the silos and create a collaborative environment where road funds and road authorities work as partners,” Manyaya urged.

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With the ARMFA conference coming to an end, the emphasis on collaboration and regional cooperation is expected to continue, as road funds and authorities work together to address the challenges posed by climate change and promote economic growth.

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National

Bulawayo businessman takes own life

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Picture: ZimLive

 

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

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Tragedy struck in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park on Saturday, when a 36-year-old businessman John Madzikatire took his own life by shooting himself.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred around 9:30 pm on an unnamed dust road, where a motorist stumbled upon Madzikatire’s lifeless body lying next to his Mercedes Benz vehicle.

The vehicle was still idling with its lights on and the driver’s door wide open.

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Madzikatire was found in a pool of blood, bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head, with no signs of life.

A pistol was discovered under his right knee, and it’s suspected that he shot himself in the head from the left side, with the bullet exiting from the right side.

A search of the vehicle revealed an army green bag containing a substantial amount of cash: $5,122 USD, 20,719 South African Rand, and $24 Zimbabwean dollars. The body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem examination.

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The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating the incident and encourages the public to seek help when facing challenges. “We urge people to engage with others and seek counseling from community leaders and professional counselors rather than resorting to taking their own lives,” said Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, Press and Public Relations Officer for Bulawayo Province.

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Vic Falls road crisis: Motorists slam “undrivable” highway

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The once-thriving Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway has become a nightmare for motorists, with many labeling it “undrivable” due to its deplorable state.

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As we drove through the Hwange area, close to Dete, Lubimbi Turn and Lupane, we witnessed firsthand the treacherous conditions that have left drivers frustrated and fed up.

The road is riddled with potholes, gullies, and mud-filled craters, forcing many to abandon the main road and opt for a dusty, makeshift alternative.

In some areas close to Lupane, villagers have taken it upon themselves to fix the road using the ordinary soils. This is usually done by the children and women.

“I’ve been driving for over 20 years, but this road is the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Thomas Moyo, a truck driver who frequently travels the route. “It’s like they’ve abandoned us. We’re forced to create our own paths, but even those are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.”

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Another motorist, Sarah Ndlovu, expressed her disappointment and concern for safety. “It’s not just the damage to our vehicles; it’s the risk of accidents and injuries. I’ve seen cars stuck in the potholes , and it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.”

The poor state of the road is also affecting travel times, with some motorists reporting journeys that take up to 10 hours to cover a stretch of 400 kilometers.

“It’s unacceptable,” said James Dube, a tourist operator. “This road leads to one of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions, and yet it’s in shambles. We need urgent attention to fix this road and restore our country’s reputation.”

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However, in a recent statement, the government announced plans to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway this year.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, a significant allocation of funds has been set aside for the project, which is expected to commence in the coming months.

While this news has brought some relief to motorists, many remain skeptical, citing previous unfulfilled promises. “We’ve heard it all before,” said Moyo. “We’ll believe it when we see it.”

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As the situation continues to deteriorate, motorists are calling on authorities to take immediate action to repair and maintain the highway.

With the peak tourist season approaching, it remains to be seen whether the government will follow through on its promises and restore the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway to its former glory.

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National

Cyclone Chido moves away from Zimbabwe

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

According to the latest updates from the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, approximately 35-40km south of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province.

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The intense tropical cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds of up to 220km/h, causing widespread destruction in Mozambique. The system is expected to continue tracking west-southwest towards Malawi, steadily dissipating.

Zimbabwe, which was initially predicted to be in the cyclone’s path, has been spared the worst of the storm.

However, neighboring countries, including Malawi, are expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 72 hours.

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The SHOC has issued a multi-hazard impact-based classification, warning of expected impacts, including strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and rough seas, in Mozambique, Malawi, and other parts of the region.

Member states have been urged to closely monitor official weather updates, intensify public awareness campaigns, and preposition relief supplies to enable a swift response to the cyclone’s impact.

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