onlinemedia
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Another completed section of Alpes Road in northern Harare will be opened to traffic today, marking further progress in the Government’s ongoing drive to modernise the capital’s road network under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP2).
The rehabilitation of Alpes Road —stretching about 17km up to Hatcliffe Extension — has been carried out by the Central Mechanical and Equipment Department (CMED).
The first 8km section was reconstructed in September 2023, and the remaining 9km has now been completed.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona will preside over the official opening, alongside Harare Metropolitan Province Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport chairperson Tawanda Karikoga, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport Engineer Joey Makumbe, and CMED managing director Mr Davison Mhaka, among other senior officials.
In a statement, the ministry said the upgraded road would not only ease traffic congestion, but also improve accessibility for emergency services, enhance local tourism and potentially boost property values in surrounding areas.
Motorists have welcomed the improvements, which follow Government’s intervention after the City of Harare failed to repair or maintain most of the capital’s road network.
To date, more than 55 roads in Harare have been rehabilitated or reconstructed by Government agencies under ERRP2.
Nationally, CMED has implemented several road projects since launching its Construction and Civil Works Unit in March 2021.
Under ERRP2, more than 50 000km of roads have been rehabilitated or reconstructed, while 2 000 structures such as bridges and culverts have been repaired.
Zimbabwe has an estimated road network of 84 000km, with 93 percent of it previously assessed as being in fair or poor condition and in urgent need of rehabilitation or maintenance.
Online Reporter