Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
WORK is officially underway on the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, with traffic now being diverted to designated detour routes to facilitate smooth construction operations.
The project commenced last Monday following the Government’s appointment of five local contractors, tasked with executing this critical infrastructure overhaul.
Contractors are engaged in preliminary works, including bush clearing and the construction of detours, in preparation for full-scale rehabilitation. In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed that rehabilitation works are progressing well.
“The Ministry is pleased to report active construction progress on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project in the Insuza area. Rehabilitation works are advancing well, and we remain committed to transparent, regular updates as we transform this vital corridor,” the statement read.
The first phase of construction is focusing on the section between Chainage 99,6 km and 104,6 km in the Insuza area.
Motorists have been urged to strictly observe all posted signage, reduce speed within construction zones, and follow detour routes, to ensure their safety and that of construction workers.
The Ministry reiterated the importance of adhering to reduced speed limits and detour instructions to maintain safety standards throughout the construction period. So far, detours have been completed or are under construction in areas such as Bernice, Cross Jotsholo, and Insuza.
The project is being implemented in five lots, each assigned to a different contractor. Fossil Contracting, responsible for Lot 1, has completed four kilometres of bush clearing near the 48,6km peg to prepare for detour construction. Masimba Construction, handling Lot 2, has cleared five kilometres of bush between the 85 km and 90 km pegs. For Lot 3, Syvern Investment has cleared five kilometres of vegetation between the 99,6km and 104km markers, where the first phase of construction is set to begin. Bitumen Resources, managing Lot 4, has completed 4,2 kilometres of bush clearing from Chainage 201,6 km back towards the 191 km point.
Lastly, Tensor Systems, in charge of Lot 5, has begun bush clearing for five kilometres, starting at the 201,6 km peg and progressing towards the 211,6 km mark.
The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road is one of Zimbabwe’s most important transport corridors, linking Matabeleland North Province with regional neighbours including Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.
It plays a vital role in the movement of goods, supports regional trade, and serves as a key route for both local and international tourism, particularly to the iconic Victoria Falls.
The project, expected to take approximately 10 months, will be implemented using a kilometre-by-kilometre phased approach, to ensure steady progress while minimising disruption to traffic.
