Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
BULILIMA District is set to benefit from road infrastructure upgrades, with tar surfacing under way on a 10-kilometre stretch of the Plumtree-Maitengwe Road and a 20km section of the
Plumtree-Tsholotsho Road, while another 10km stretch along the Plumtree-Ndolwane Road is in the pipeline.
The projects are expected to improve connectivity, ease transport challenges for rural communities and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and other goods, particularly along routes linking settlements and business centres in the border district.
The 10km Plumtree-Maitengwe stretch runs from Plumtree town to just beyond Tsambani shops at Makwa River, near Village 28, while work on the Plumtree-Tsholotsho Road covers a 20km section from Plumtree town to an area just beyond Bhagani shops.
A further 10km stretch, running from Bhagani Business Centre to just beyond Nyele Business Centre along the Plumtree-Ndolwane Road, is planned for construction.
The road upgrades are expected to reduce the challenges associated with dusty gravel roads during the dry season and muddy, difficult-to-navigate routes during the rains.
The Plumtree-Maitengwe Road links Zimbabwe to Botswana through Maitengwe Border Post. Improved road conditions are expected to facilitate cross-border movement, support trade and reduce vehicle maintenance costs for transport operators.
Bulilima Constituency Member of Parliament Cde Dingumuzi Phuti said the projects demonstrated the Second Republic’s commitment to extending infrastructure development to rural communities.
“We are happy that the construction of tarred roads in Bulilima is taking shape and all this is because of President ED Mnangagwa’s quality leadership in ensuring that every place in the country is developed to modern standards,” he said.
“This is something we are witnessing in Bulilima District and we would like to thank the President for such life-changing initiatives.”
The projects align with the Government’s road rehabilitation and upgrading programme, which seeks to improve the country’s transport network, strengthen links between rural communities and economic centres and support the movement of people and goods.
Under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2, infrastructure development is a key enabler of economic growth, with improved roads expected to support agricultural production,
trade, access to public services and investment in rural areas.
For communities in Bulilima, the road rehabilitation programme is expected to address longstanding transport challenges and improve access to schools, healthcare facilities and markets.
Mr Innocent Ndlovu (43), of Village 28 in Dombolefu Ward, said locals had endured poor road conditions for decades.
“This is history in the making. We’ve been struggling with dusty roads for decades. During the rains, movement was almost impossible,” he said.
“This new road is a game changer, ensuring easier travel, safer journeys and even opportunities for our children to go to school in town. I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime.”
Transport operators also expect to benefit from improved road conditions through reduced vehicle wear and tear and more reliable journeys.
A transport operator who identified himself only as Mdawini, who runs a commuter service along the Plumtree-Madlambudzi route, said the existing gravel road conditions had increased maintenance costs and inconvenienced passengers.
“The dust eats into our cars and repairs are endless. Passengers complain when we’re delayed because of the poor road. With a tarred road, business will flow, vehicles will last longer, and our customers will finally enjoy smoother rides,” he said.
Another motorist, Ms Sandisiwe Nleya, said the road improvements would make travelling in the district easier.
“Since Independence, we’ve been waiting for this kind of development. It feels good to see our Government investing in us. Driving will no longer be a burden but a pleasure,” she said.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona is expected to tour the project sites later this month to assess progress.
