By A Correspondent
Residents of Victoria Range, situated in Ward 7 of Masvingo West constituency, have expressed growing frustration with their Member of Parliament (MP), Ezra Chadzamira, accusing him of failing to address the deplorable state of local roads.
Chadzamira, who also serves as the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, has come under fire for his inability to repair the roads despite his prominent political role.
This dissatisfaction is emerging in the aftermath of the politically charged 2023 elections, where promises were made to improve local infrastructure.
However, residents in Victoria Range are still grappling with roads riddled with deep potholes, which they describe as “gouges” resembling craters. These hazardous depressions have become a serious concern for the community, significantly affecting both drivers and public transport users.
One of the most problematic areas is the road connecting Runyararo West to the local dumping site, which lies just beyond the solar-powered boreholes.
This stretch is characterized by deep gouges that pose severe risks to motorists. In one case, a driver reported experiencing a breakdown due to navigating one of these dangerous depressions, highlighting the perilous conditions that have persisted for far too long.
The poor road conditions have also taken a toll on the cost of public transportation.
A kombi driver serving the route from Victoria Range to the town center revealed that they are now forced to charge passengers up to $1 for a trip, a significant increase.
The driver blamed the fare hike on the deteriorating roads, noting that the damages to the infrastructure make it increasingly difficult for vehicles to operate efficiently, forcing higher costs to cover repairs and maintenance.
One local kombi driver pointed to the government’s neglect, stating, “It shows the Mnangagwa administration is anti-people.” This sentiment echoes a broader dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to fulfill promises made during the 2023 elections, leaving many residents feeling abandoned by their elected representatives.
Despite the growing criticism, Chadzamira has yet to make any concrete moves to address the road issues in Victoria Range. His failure to act on this critical concern has left the community questioning his commitment to improving the lives of the people he represents.
For many, the state of the roads is a reflection of the broader neglect that many rural constituencies feel they suffer under the current administration.
As the situation continues to worsen, residents are calling for immediate action from both their MP and the government. Until repairs are made, the people of Victoria Range will continue to endure the challenges posed by these treacherous roads, all while questioning the priorities of their political leaders.