Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway, with work still ongoing along the route as efforts continue to bring the road up to modern standards.
The highway, which was built in the 1960s, has deteriorated over time, creating safety concerns for motorists and slowing traffic movement. This has prompted the Second Republic to prioritise its upgrade.
To address this, Government awarded tenders to eight construction companies to work on different sections of the road, with funding being mobilised locally.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution said all contractors are still working along the 450-kilometre stretch.
“All the contractors are still on site as Government forges ahead with the completion of the Bulawayo/Victoria Falls Road. The scale of work might have decreased a bit while the Ministry of Transport (and Infrastructure
Development) works with the Ministry of Finance (and Investment Promotion) to release outstanding funds for the contractors.
“Our timelines to complete the rehabilitation project by the end of the year have not changed,” said Minister Moyo.
Although progress may have slowed in some areas due to funding issues, the Minister said the overall plan remains on track, with Government still aiming to complete the project by year-end.
He pointed to the completion of other projects as proof that the approach being used is working. One such example is the Bulawayo–Inyathi Road, which has already been finished.
“Government took a deliberate move to rehabilitate our roads in phases, as and when local resources become available, unlike the old model where we waited for Treasury to budget for the full amount required for the upgrade of each major road,” he said.
According to the Minister, work is now progressing beyond Inyathi towards Nkayi Business Centre, with contractors continuing their operations on that stretch.
He said upgrading the Bulawayo–Nkayi Road will not only improve safety but also benefit communities along the route.
“The rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road will not only make the road safer for motorists, but will also open up new opportunities for local businesses and logistics,” said Minister Moyo.
Government has previously acknowledged that funding remains limited, but says efforts are being made to secure dedicated financial support to keep the project moving.
The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road remains one of the country’s most important transport routes. It links major areas and is widely used by travellers heading to Victoria Falls, as well as those coming from Beitbridge and other parts of the region.
The road also plays a key role in tourism, trade and cross-border movement.
Given its age and current condition, extensive work is needed to bring it up to acceptable standards. Government has insisted it is committed to seeing the rehabilitation project through to completion.
