The Zimbabwean government has made significant progress in rehabilitating the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, with a 6.3km stretch in Hwange recently opened to traffic today.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has embarked on a media tour in order to assess the progress made so far and also alert the citizens of Zimbabwe on the ongoing progress.
Hon Richard Moyo, The Minister of State, Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North Province applauded the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development led by Hon Felix Tapiwa Mhona under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa for leaving no one and no place behind.
“We are grateful that development is happening in Matabeleland North after a long-time usage of damaged roads.
“The Second Republic is indeed working towards an upper middle-income society under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, and also we appreciate Hon Mhona for adhering to the vision of the President,” said Hon Moyo.
Engineer J. P Makumbe, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development who is leading the tour highlighted that this media tour is to enlighten citizens on the progress and the initiative would improve efficiency and ease traffic flow on major highways.
“This tour has been made possible in order to alert the citizens of Zimbabwe on the progress and efforts being done by the Ministry such that traffic flow is eased.
She also mentioned how corruption is going to be reduced due to the introduction of the e-tag tolling system as the media were shown how the system works.
“We expect this system to reduce corruption also efficiency and quick service on toll gates,” said Engineer Makumbe.
This project, under the government is part of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), whereby the road undergoes full reconstruction and upgrades the surface to enhance durability and safety on the roads.
The rehabilitation project, executed by Bitumen World, Syvern Contractors, Masimba Construction, Bitumen Resources and Fossil Contracting is expected to boost tourism flows to Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls also enable faster and safer transportation of natural resources from Hwange mines, enhancing local and regional commerce.
Eight contractors are currently working on the 440km highway and are expected to complete their projects by year-end next year.
Story by Chiedza Nyabadza
Senior Reporter
