Vusumuzi Dube
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE Government has officially commissioned the ZiG$8,5 million, 30 kilometre Ngungumbane-Mataga surfaced road in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province, marking the completion of a major transport infrastructure project.
The project, implemented under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), is expected to improve mobility, support economic activity and strengthen access to services in the district.
The road was officially opened by the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, during a ceremony at Matedzi Business Centre attended by villagers, traditional leaders, legislators and Government officials.
Minister Ncube said the commissioning reflected the Government’s focus on infrastructure development.
“We celebrate yet another milestone achievement by the Second Republic under the able and visionary leadership of His Excellency President Dr ED Mnangagwa, showcased through the commissioning of the ZiG$8,5 million, 30km Ngungumbane-Mataga newly surfaced road,” he said.
The project was funded by the Government through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development and carried out by contractor Road Trackers. It also provided temporary employment opportunities for local communities and supported small scale business activity during construction.
Minister Ncube said the road falls under the NDS2 Infrastructure Development and Housing pillar, which prioritises upgrades to transport, energy, water, ICT, health, education and housing facilities.
“In line with the heritage-based modernisation and industrialisation strategy underpinned by President Mnangagwa’s philosophy ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’, this project was fully funded by Government,” he said.
He said the road is expected to facilitate trade, improve access to essential services and reduce transport costs for communities in Mberengwa.
Minister Ncube also referenced earlier national infrastructure projects, saying transport remains a key driver of economic development.
“The Midlands Province and the nation at large are undergoing massive socio-economic transformation through the Second Republic’s Heritage-Based Modernisation and Industrialisation thrust, which provides local solutions to local challenges as we march towards Vision 2030,” he said.
Since 2017, Minister Ncube said the Midlands Province has seen various road and bridge works, including rehabilitation of the Shurugwi–Mhandamabwe Road and resurfacing of the Kwekwe-Zhombe Road.
He added that several rural bridges had been constructed, including Phoenix Dam Bridge in Mberengwa, Manhize-Munyati Bridge in Chirumhanzu, Gunguhwe Bridge in Gokwe North and Chemusonde Bridge in Gokwe South.
Chief Ngungumbane of Mberengwa welcomed the completion of the road.
“The Ngungumbane-Mataga Road will greatly enhance business activity and mobility in our area while significantly reducing transport costs for the community,” he said.
Online Reporter