By Tamuka Charakupa
SIGNIFICANT progress has been made on the Jopa-Kopa highway in Chimanimani with the local contractor confident of meeting the end of year target.
Speaking on the progress made so far on the highway, local contractor Bitumen World Surfacing Manager, Mr Cuthbert Gonovi said they are expecting to complete the 23 kilometre stretch by end of year, despite the pace having been slowed down by bad weather.
“We have most of the road works and maintenance and now we are preparing for surfacing. We are being slowed down by unfavourable weather conditions and also the resistance of the local community and motorists who at times are not patient enough with our instructions since we are working on a road without a detour route, he said.
Legislators from the area, Honourable Raymore Machingura and Honourable Joshua Sacco, accompanied by the local leadership assessed the progress made so far on Sunday and expressed gratitude to government for spearheading the project which among other benefits will solve transport challenges for local horticultural farmers.
“We are appealing to the local leadership to assist us to solve the issue. Our local community and motorists who use this route should know that times this is for their own safety. We are happy with the progress realised so far and this will go a long way in bringing relief to our farmers, said Sacco.
“We are very grateful as a community for the generous gesture by the constructor. Our local youths and women are being employed and we have thankful that some of the workers will have long contracts. The road itself is of great relief to the community because it will open up markets for our farmers and well as provide the much-needed link between the two communities, added Machingura.
The Jopa-Kopa highway is the major route which links Chipinge and Chimanimani districts where horticulture is the main source of livelihood.
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