Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
THE ongoing rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway is set to be complemented by a major public-private partnership (PPP) to upgrade the Beitbridge–Bulawayo Road as part of the forthcoming National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) implementation plan.
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Chief Director of Roads, Engineer David Jana, revealed this last week while addressing delegates at the Mine Entra Conference in Bulawayo.
He said the Second Republic remains focused on modernising the country’s transport infrastructure to facilitate trade and economic growth.
“Under the soon-to-be-launched National Development Strategy 2, there will be accelerated road upgrades,” said Eng Jana.
“We have many projects in the pipeline to make the country competitive in terms of facilitating the movement of goods and freight.
“In the region, Zimbabwe has one of the most extensive road networks, making it easier and shorter to move goods in and out of the country.”
He said the completion of the Beitbridge Border Post modernisation project and the ongoing Harare–Beitbridge Highway upgrade have already resulted in increased traffic and trade along the North–South Corridor.
Over the years, the Second Republic has prioritised infrastructure rehabilitation as a key enabler of national development.
The Government’s major road programmes — including the Harare–Beitbridge Highway, Harare–Chirundu Road, and various rural feeder road upgrades — have been central to improving regional connectivity and access to markets.
The Beitbridge–Bulawayo route, which serves as a strategic trade artery linking the southern border to the country’s industrial hub and western corridor, is expected to see significant transformation through the proposed PPP model.
Infrastructure experts say the move is consistent with Government’s drive to leverage private sector investment to complement fiscal resources, thereby accelerating the delivery of key infrastructure projects under Vision 2030.
