New Reporting Lines to Tackle Damaged Roads
In a bid to curb the worsening state of Zimbabwe’s road network, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has launched dedicated hotlines for the public to report potholes and other urgent road defects. The initiative directs calls and messages to provincial roads engineers, who are responsible for assessing and prioritizing repairs on regional and national roads.
The ministry stressed that citizen input is critical for maintaining safer, more reliable routes for commuters, freight operators, and emergency services. By channeling reports straight to the professionals responsible for maintenance, authorities aim to reduce downtime, mitigate traffic hazards, and speed up response times to dangerous potholes and other defects.
How the Hotline System Works
Residents are advised to contact the provincial roads engineers with clear information about the location of the defect, its size, and any immediate safety risks it poses. Helpful details include:
- Exact road name and kilometers or coordinates
- Nature of the defect (pothole, failed drainage, bridge defect, surface rutting, etc.)
- Photos or videos if possible, showing the depth and surrounding hazards
- Any trends, such as recurring defects after rains or heavy traffic periods
Officials say reports should be made promptly, especially on routes used by large commercial vehicles or vulnerable road users. The goal is not only to repair potholes but also to plan preventive maintenance to extend road life and reduce recurrent damage.
Why Public Participation Matters
Road networks are dynamic, and many defects emerge due to weather, heavy loads, poor drainage, or aging infrastructure. Public reports provide a ground-level view that complements routine inspections. When communities participate, maintenance crews can prioritize danger zones, schedule repairs during off-peak hours, and allocate resources more effectively.
Transport ministry officials emphasize that hotlines are not a substitute for routine maintenance schedules. They are a supplementary tool designed to accelerate urgent fixes, especially on high-traffic corridors and routes critical for commerce and emergency response.
Safety Tips for Road Users
While awaiting repairs, motorists and pedestrians can reduce risk by exercising caution in affected areas. Tips include:
- Slow down when approaching known potholes or poorly surfaced stretches
- Avoid sudden swerves into oncoming traffic or hard braking in the vicinity of defects
- Follow posted detours and obey temporary traffic control measures
- Report repeated damage near schools, hospitals, and marketplaces for prioritized attention
Looking Forward
The hotline initiative reflects a broader push to reform Zimbabwe’s road maintenance regime. Beyond pothole repair, authorities are exploring improved drainage, better road construction standards, and more accurate defect-tracking systems. If successful, the program could become a model for other regions seeking faster, more accountable road maintenance responses.
Citizens are encouraged to use the new hotlines responsibly, providing precise information and avoiding misuse. The ministry’s aim is a safer, more reliable road network that supports both daily travel and the country’s broader economic growth.
