VILLAGERS from wards 5 and 7 in Insiza South have joined forces with local leaders and government stakeholders to grade the Dolo-West Nicholson Road, in a community-driven effort to improve the area’s infrastructure.
The initiative has seen residents pooling resources to support the roadworks, which are being carried out using a grader secured from the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA).
Project spokesperson Ezweni Moyo said the grader was made available after Transport and Infrastructural Development ministry provincial engineer Mangisi Nkomo intervened.
“The bulk of the effort comes from the two primary wards, although there are a few individuals from ward 8 who are also participating,” Moyo said.
“The grader was obtained through negotiations led by engineer Nkomo.”
Funding and fuel for the project are being mobilised through a WhatsApp group of 63 members, with 37 members having already fulfilled their pledges through either fuel or cash contributions.
“There is no fixed amount to be contributed, individuals bring what they can afford,” Moyo explained.
He added that Ntshali and Mthulisi Hlabangana, the owners of Bafana Bafana Buses, donated fuel to support the roadworks.
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“The Ministry of Transport promised to give us fuel when it becomes available and the Member of Parliament for Insiza North Constituency, Delani Moyo, has also promised us fuel,” Moyo said.
The community is working closely with the MP for Insiza South, Spare Sithole, who is co-ordinating efforts with the Transport and Infrastructural Development ministry, Insiza Rural District Council (RDC) and RIDA.
The Insiza RDC, as the planning authority, is providing technical oversight.
“The council is there to help us check if we are doing well in their area,” Moyo said.
“The project involves councillors Ngobe Masonga (ward 5) and Matilda Dube (ward 7), as well as the local chief.”
Masonga said the Dolo-West Nicholson Road was of great importance to the community.
“This road is very vital,” he said.
“We saw it fit as a community to have a project to try and work on this road.”
Masonga explained that the road connects several key areas, including Bekezela, Sidzibe, Silalatshani, Filabusi, Mathabisa, Avoca, Dekezi and Mbondweni.
It also provides access to Mbaulo, Mbembesi, Masase, Vokola and Singwambidzi.
Moyo acknowledged that while the project is open to everyone, some residents have not shown interest.
“We announced the road maintenance project to everyone, but only a few people volunteered. Others did not have an interest,” he said, appealing for broader community participation.
The group’s ambitions extend beyond the Dolo-West Nicholson Road.
“After we are done with Dolo-West Nicholson, we are planning to work on Maxolweni, Mbaulo, Singwambidzi, Mbembesi, Thokozani and Avoca roads,” Moyo said.
“This secondary phase will depend on the fuel and funds that we will have left.”
He urged the government to step in and provide a long-term solution.
“We would like the government to assist us in finding a permanent solution to make it road tarred.”
— Cite
