By A Correspondent
The rehabilitation of Tangwena Street in Masvingo has sparked a dispute between the City Council and the Government, as both parties clash over responsibility for the ongoing project.
A Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development official stated on Thursday that the City of Masvingo is responsible for the refurbishment of Tangwena Street.
This has raised questions and concerns among local residents who are eagerly awaiting improvements to the vital road.
In response, the City of Masvingo issued a statement to clarify its position regarding the ongoing construction of Tangwena Street and the associated roundabout project.
“This statement seeks to provide clarity regarding the ongoing construction of Tangwena Street and roundabout in the city of Masvingo,” the city council said.
The council acknowledged the frustration among residents about the perceived slow progress of the project but emphasized that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is leading the initiative, not the city itself.
“While the city council acknowledges residents’ concerns regarding the perceived slow progress of the construction, it’s imperative to emphasize that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is leading this initiative, not the city of Masvingo,” the statement read.
Despite this, Masvingo City Council expressed empathy towards the community’s desire for the timely completion of the road rehabilitation, recognizing its importance for local infrastructure development. “Masvingo City Council fully empathizes with the community’s desire for the timely completion of this essential infrastructure project,” the council affirmed.
The statement further called for an expedited resolution of delays, stressing the urgency of completing the project as soon as possible. “In addressing the delays, it’s crucial to underscore the urgency of expediting the project to ensure it reaches completion as early as possible, meeting both the expectations of the residents and the strategic objectives of the city’s infrastructure development plan,” the city said.
In an effort to alleviate the situation, the council urged the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to allocate the necessary resources and streamline the construction process. “We earnestly urge the Ministry to allocate necessary resources and streamline the construction process,” the council added.
The city also expressed confidence in the Provincial Road Engineer’s ability to handle the project and address any concerns raised by residents. “Additionally, we have full confidence in the expertise and dedication of the Provincial Road Engineer to promptly address any concerns raised by residents and stakeholders throughout the duration of the project,” the statement concluded.
This ongoing clash between Masvingo City Council and the Government highlights the complexities of infrastructure development and the challenges local authorities face in balancing community expectations with bureaucratic processes.