The Hon. Mayor, Senator David Coltart, recently addressed the growing concerns over the city’s deteriorating roads in a candid Facebook post. Acknowledging the frustration and urgency expressed by residents, the mayor explained the challenges faced by the city in maintaining its road network.

According to Mayor Coltart, the heavy rains have highlighted four decades of infrastructure neglect, an issue that cannot be resolved overnight. He revealed that Bulawayo requires approximately US$15 million annually to maintain its road network. However, last year, the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) allocated less than US$3 million, which was paid in Zimbabwean dollars. This has made it difficult to procure essential imported materials such as caterpillars, asphalt, and diesel.

Despite the limited funding, Mayor Coltart assured residents that efforts are underway to address the issue. He plans to meet with Zinara’s CEO to advocate for increased allocations for Bulawayo. Additionally, the city’s engineers are working tirelessly with the scarce resources available to mitigate the damage.

The mayor emphasized that he is not immune to the problem, citing the poor condition of roads near his own home and law firm. “Please be assured that I am not blind to the problem,” he wrote. “I will do all in my power to address the problem but cannot perform miracles.”

Mayor Coltart’s statement reflected his commitment to transparency and accountability as he keeps residents informed about the city’s challenges. While acknowledging the severity of the situation, he reiterated his determination to find solutions, even in the face of significant financial constraints.

The mayor’s post has sparked widespread engagement on social media, with many residents appreciating his honesty while urging swift action to address the worsening state of Bulawayo’s roads.