Most road networks are falling apart because of funding problems, which has made it impossible to adequately maintain and rehabilitate the national road networks in Africa.

This is according to Zimbabwe’s Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development Ministry principal director, engineer Eric Gumbie. He was speaking at the opening session of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) conference that began yesterday in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

“There is a serious backlog of funding, for example, here in Zimbabwe we needed US$1.3 billion (R10.6 billion) for road maintenance and rehabilitation in 2009, but only US$8 million was availed.

“This shows the serious funding gap that affects road maintenance and rehabilitation.”

If Zimbabwe hopes to maintain and recondition all of its national roads, a staggering US$2 billion dollars is required.

He stated that postponement of maintenance increases the cost, adding that the effects of neglect are serious.

Transport costs due to vehicle repairs and increased maintenance can be greatly reduced if the road surfaces are brought up to an acceptable level.

The road situation in Zimbabwe deteriorated seriously around 2005.