Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu and Rutendo Nyeve, Zimpapers Writers
THE ongoing rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Maphisa Road and Gwanda-Maphisa Road is not a once-off exercise linked only to preparations for the Independence Day celebrations, but part of the Government’s broader infrastructure development drive aligned with President Mnangagwa’s inclusive development agenda.
The roadworks form part of the Second Republic’s ongoing efforts to modernise national infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country, particularly in rural areas.
Construction of the Gwanda–Maphisa Road is among several major roads undergoing rehabilitation in Matabeleland South Province. The project, which had stalled for some time, gained momentum after Cabinet decided to host the 2026 Independence celebrations at Maphisa Open Grounds.
The decision has triggered a wave of infrastructure development programmes in the province in line with the Government’s devolution agenda.
The Gwanda–Maphisa Road connects several districts and links important economic hubs such as the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) Antelope Estate, the Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts, and tourist attractions in the Matobo Hills area.
Once completed, the road is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Gwanda and surrounding districts, particularly Matobo District, while improving access to essential services and unlocking new economic opportunities in mining, agriculture and tourism.
Speaking during a media tour yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the road rehabilitation works reflected the Second Republic’s commitment to improving people’s lives.
“We are witnessing the work ethic of the Second Republic, which is focused on delivering development for the betterment of our people,” he said.
Minister Mhona said the Government had invited various media houses to tour the projects so that Zimbabweans could appreciate the progress being made in rebuilding national infrastructure.
“By bringing together different media houses, we want the nation to appreciate the work that is taking place on the ground as Government moves to rebuild infrastructure across the country,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the road rehabilitation programme in the province goes beyond preparations for the Independence Day celebrations.
“This programme is about rebuilding our nation and ensuring development reaches all parts of the country. As Government, we are guided by the principle that no one and no place should be left behind,” said Minister Mhona.
He added that the ministry also undertook the tour to assess the progress of contractors working on the projects. “We also came here to familiarise ourselves with the infrastructure rehabilitation programme being undertaken by the ministry and to assess the work being done by contractors.
“Our contractors are now working around the clock and we want to ensure they remain accountable, whether they are doing asphalt overlay, rehabilitation, or full road reconstruction,” he said.
The 114-kilometre Bulawayo–Kezi–Maphisa Road is receiving full-scale attention, with works including asphalt overlay, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The upgrades are expected to be completed by April 13, ensuring smooth travel ahead of the Independence celebrations.
Speaking during the same tour, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the inter-ministerial team was satisfied with the progress made so far.
“We are here to assess progress on road rehabilitation and other legacy projects ahead of the Independence celebrations. So far, we have travelled from Bulawayo to about 20 kilometres before Maphisa and the work being done is encouraging,” he said.
“There are a few challenges, particularly with some bridges which cannot be worked on immediately, but engineers from the Ministry of Transport have assured us the roads will be made passable before the celebrations.”
Special Advisor to the President responsible for Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, Dr Joram Gumbo, said contractors were working tirelessly to ensure the key route to the celebrations venue is ready on time.
“This is a very important road leading to the venue for the Independence celebrations and we are impressed with the level of activity on the ground,” he said. “There are a few hitches here and there, but they are not insurmountable. By April 13, we expect to see significant improvement along this road.”
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said hosting the national celebrations had accelerated infrastructure development in the province.
“As Matabeleland South, we are very happy to be hosting this year’s Independence Day celebrations because it has brought development to the province,” he said.
“The rehabilitation of roads such as the Bulawayo-Kezi and Maphisa-Gwanda routes is something the people here appreciate as it shows the Government’s commitment to ensuring no place and no one is left behind.”
