“No Pay for Potholes”: Govt Cracks Down on Shoddy Road Contractors

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona (image source)

Zimbabwe’s government has issued a stern warning to road contractors: deliver quality work or face withheld payments and contract cancellations. The tough stance, announced by Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona, comes amid growing frustration over substandard road projects.

“We don’t pay for shoddy work. Every dollar from the fiscus must be accounted for.”— Transport Minister Felix Mhona

Minister Mhona made the declaration during a site inspection in Harare, where contractors Fossil Contracting and Asphalt Products were ordered to redo poorly constructed sections of Lorraine Drive and Harare Drive. He emphasized that engineers supervising poor workmanship would also be held liable. Increased audits and inspections will now form part of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP).

Experts argue that the problem often lies in procurement corruption.

Procurement analyst Tendai Mbofana said: “Tender processes are sometimes manipulated, leading to inflated costs and compromised quality. Unless accountability reaches both contractors and officials, problems will persist.”

For motorists, the announcement couldn’t have come sooner.

“We’re tired of roads that crumble after one rainy season. It’s time for real accountability,” said Harare driver Fungai Mandisodza.

Social media has also amplified public anger, with images of collapsing roads trending under the hashtag #FixOurRoadsZW.

The crackdown is part of broader efforts under Vision 2030, with infrastructure seen as critical to achieving upper-middle-income status. Roads like the Harare-Beitbridge Highway and Harare-Kanyemba corridor are already showcasing improved standards.

“Local contractors must rise to the challenge. Empowerment does not mean mediocrity—it means world-class delivery,” Mhona insisted.

If enforced effectively, the reforms could help restore public trust, improve trade logistics, and reduce Zimbabwe’s infrastructure deficit. But without strict oversight, experts warn, road projects risk becoming money pits rather than nation builders.