The stretch,
which connects Bulawayo to the country’s prime tourism hub, Victoria Falls, has
been in a state of disrepair for years, posing safety risks to motorists and
negatively impacting economic activity in Matabeleland North Province.
In an interview
yesterday, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister,
Richard Moyo, confirmed that the five contractors were mobilising to their
respective sites, ahead of the official project launch.
“On Thursday,
the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix
Mhona, will be in Gwayi to officially launch the rehabilitation of the
Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road. He will meet the five contractors on-site,” said
Minister Moyo.
“From eight
contractors that applied to carry out this crucial work, the Government
selected five. We are grateful to President Mnangagwa for prioritising this
highway, which is vital for the province’s economy.”
The project is
expected to take about 10 months to complete and will be carried out in phases,
with contractors working on specific sections of the road in a coordinated
kilometre-by-kilometre approach.
The
Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road is one of the country’s key national highways and
a vital regional corridor that links the country to Zambia, Botswana, and
Namibia. It serves thousands of domestic travellers and international tourists
each year.
The road is
also essential for the movement of goods between southern Zimbabwe and the
north-western regions, including the Hwange coalfields and surrounding mining
and agricultural zones.
Over the years,
however, the route has become notorious for its potholes, eroded shoulders, and
narrow lanes, prompting calls from residents, tourism operators, and
cross-border transporters for urgent intervention.
“The
rehabilitation will not only make the road safer for motorists but will also
open up new opportunities for local businesses, especially in tourism and
logistics,” said Minister Moyo.
He said once
completed, the upgraded road is expected to reduce travel time, lower vehicle
maintenance costs, improve road safety, and create employment opportunities
during the construction phase. Herald
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