EPWORTH North Member of Parliament, Hon Zivai Mhetu, Saturday held a series of feedback meetings with residents in wards 7, 6, and 1, providing updates on the progress of the 2025 community development funds allocated for road rehabilitation in the area.
During these interface meetings, Hon Mhetu informed the residents that despite challenges, they managed to rehabilitate 1.5 kilometers of road out of the targeted 10 kilometers of the high density dormitory town.
The CCC MP attributed the limited progress to the malfunctioning of the Epworth local board’s machinery, which necessitated hiring alternative machinery. He added that , the high cost of gravel due to transportation distances resulted in significant fund wastage.
“You have witnessed the work we’re doing here in Epworth with the Community Development Funds,” Mhetu said. “This is just the beginning of the project. We’ll ensure we complete the remaining 8 kilometers in the coming years. Although we faced challenges in 2025, we hope for improvement next year.”
Despite these challenges, Epworth residents expressed their desire for the road rehabilitation program to continue next year when community development funds are allocated. They emphasized that this program is a key developmental priority, alongside electrification and accessibility to water.
“We have water and electricity problems in our community, but we believe the road rehabilitation program should be our main priority for now,” said one Epworth resident who spoke to 263Times on condition of anonymity.
During the meetings, Mhetu highlighted a major obstacle of residents who are building houses on the roads. He advised the local authority to relocate these residents to ensure the project’s smooth execution next year.
“The issue of residents building houses along our roads is concerning. I don’t have the power to demolish your houses, but I think the council will do its best to allocate proper residential areas when we resume the project next year,” he said.
Mhetu was accompanied by Senator Katumba and Hon Ellen Shiriyedenga, who expressed delight at the developments in the Epworth community. Hon Ellen Shiriyedenga commended Mhetu for his dedication, stating that he was setting an example for other Members of Parliament to follow.
The residents’ enthusiasm for the road rehabilitation program testifies to its potential impact on their daily lives. Improved road infrastructure will enhance mobility and boost economic activity in the Epworth community.
As the Epworth residents looks forward to the completion of the road rehabilitation program, it’s clear that Mhetu’s efforts are making a positive impact. The residents’ support for the project and their willingness to collaborate with their Member of Parliament demonstrate the potential for successful development initiatives in peri urban settlement.
Epworth is a high density dormitory town located about 21 kilometres southeast of Harare city centre which is administered by the local authority which provides various municipal services such as water and sanitation, spatial planning, public lightning and road construction.
