KEY POINTS
- The government ordered Fossil Contracting to redo Harare’s Lorraine Drive due to poor work.
- Reconstruction will begin on September 16, 2024, and end in December.
- Residents and ZNOART stressed the need for quality infrastructure in public projects.
The Zimbabwean government has ordered the reconstruction of Lorraine Drive in Harare after the contractor, Fossil Contracting, delivered substandard work. Residents raised concerns about the quality of materials used, prompting authorities to step in and demand immediate corrective action.
Starting Monday, September 16, Fossil Contracting will begin redoing the road with completion expected by December. In a statement, the company apologized for the inconvenience and assured the public that they would follow the government’s guidelines this time.
Why the Project Is Being Redone
Newsday reported that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development issued the order after finding the materials used in the initial construction did not meet standards. Transport Secretary Joy Makumbe confirmed the decision, stating, “Fossil will begin the reconstruction process on 16 September 2024.” The ministry has made it clear that they expect higher-quality results in the coming months.
Residents and Organizations Weigh In
Residents along with the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART), have welcomed the government’s swift intervention. ZNOART, which advocates for better infrastructure, stressed the importance of delivering durable, high-quality roads that serve communities for years.
Shalvar Chikomba, chairperson of ZNOART, said, “We are urging all companies involved in public infrastructure projects to ensure they do not cut corners.”
Residents also expressed relief that the government took action to address the poor work. Many believe that the renewed effort to reconstruct the road will lead to a better outcome, providing a smoother and safer road for the community.
Commitment to Quality Moving Forward
Fossil Contracting acknowledged the complaints and committed to addressing the issues. They aim to complete the road by the end of 2024, assuring both the government and residents that the new road will meet the required standards.
The Ministry and ZNOART emphasized that all future public projects must meet strict quality controls. This Lorraine Drive project in Harare will serve as an important test case for other infrastructure efforts across the country.
