Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting

This study examined how engineering workmanship in road construction under Zimbabwe’s Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) and related emergency preparedness initiatives influences economic development in rural districts. It argues that high-quality workmanship in road works is a critical driver of economic growth, improved market access, reduced transport costs, increased investment, and employment creation particularly in underserved rural areas such as Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) Zvataida Rural District of Mashonaland East Province. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, drawing on policy documents, project reports, stakeholder interviews, and field observations to gain in-depth insights into both the technical and socio-economic dimensions of road infrastructure development. Thus, the sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique and comprised participants from Zimbabwe’s Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme in UMP Rural District including policymakers, government agencies, distribution companies, and consumers resulting in a sample size of 50 respondents. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with government officials, local contractors, community leaders, and ERRP beneficiaries, as well as through on-site evaluations of selected road projects. Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative data, enabling the identification of recurring patterns related to workmanship quality, contractor performance, supervision mechanisms, funding timelines, and local capacity constraints. Findings indicate that the ERRP has resulted in improved road accessibility in over 70% of the assessed project sites, contributing to reduced travel times and enhanced linkage to local markets. However, participants reported persistent challenges in workmanship quality, with approximately 60% of respondents citing inadequate supervision and weak quality assurance procedures as major constraints. Field observations also revealed inconsistencies in drainage design, gravel compaction, and edge protection across several completed segments. Furthermore, nearly half of the interviewed stakeholders, that is 48% highlighted delays in funding disbursements as a key cause of compromised technical standards and reduced contractor performance. Consequently, the study concludes by stating that although ERRP interventions have delivered measurable improvements in road conditions within UMP, their long-term economic impact is hindered by workmanship deficiencies and limited institutional oversight. Thus, strengthening contractor capacity, enforcing rigorous supervision frameworks, and improving inter-agency coordination are essential in sustaining infrastructure gains and at the same time maximising rural economic development outcomes. Therefore, the study recommends targeted training for local contractors, enhanced monitoring systems, and better-aligned funding mechanisms to ensure durable and economically transformative road construction in rural districts.