Zimbabwe road repairs stall as imported chemicals drain forex

THE government says it is working with local universities to develop cheaper, locally produced road maintenance chemicals as authorities seek to reduce reliance on imports that are straining foreign currency reserves.

Zimbabwe's rural road network spans approximately 61 000 kilometres, accounting for more than 70 percent of the country's total road infrastructure. Despite ongoing rehabilitation efforts, many rural roads remain in poor condition, particularly after seasonal rains.

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has increased funding for road maintenance under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), supporting 76 maintenance units nationwide. Recent projects include rehabilitation works on the Nkayi–Bulawayo Road as well as feeder routes in Buhera and Chipinge.

However, challenges including equipment shortages and funding gaps have left many rural district councils struggling to maintain roads, prompting authorities to encourage community-based maintenance efforts in some areas.

Speaking in Parliament this week, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the high cost of imported road chemicals remains a major constraint in maintaining road infrastructure.

"The challenge with this chemical is that it is primarily sourced from other countries, requiring us to use foreign currency, which makes it difficult to obtain these chemicals at lower prices," he said.

He said government is now engaging academic institutions in search of alternative, locally manufactured solutions to reduce costs and improve sustainability in road maintenance.

"We are actively collaborating with universities to develop solutions to assist us in improving our roads," Mhona said.

"We will continue doing some research. If we get something, we will notify you."

The issue emerged during parliamentary questioning, where legislators raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of rural roads and the sustainability of ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

Shamva North legislator Isaac Chinodakufa asked what measures government had put in place to repair roads damaged by heavy rains, while Rushinga legislator Tendai Nyabani questioned why previously gravelled roads had deteriorated into near impassable conditions.

"I want to know what measures they have taken with the roads that were gravelled several years ago. Right now, it is sand… when it is rainy season, some cars fail to pass," Nyabani said.

Mhona also told Parliament that the second phase of the Road Rehabilitation Programme would ensure each province is equipped with dedicated road maintenance machinery to improve responsiveness and reduce delays in repairs.

"Each province will have its own machinery for road rehabilitation, ensuring that equipment is readily available," he said.

He further confirmed that contractors responsible for creating detours during construction or rehabilitation projects are required to restore affected roads to their original condition once works are completed.

"Whenever we adapt to using the existing road, we make sure that soon after… we have to put it back to the status quo," he said.

The developments come as government continues to grapple with deteriorating rural road infrastructure, with officials saying innovation, decentralised equipment deployment and local production of key materials will be critical to long-term sustainability.