Online ReporterSukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
Bulawayo Bureau
Work has resumed on the rehabilitation of Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road along the Mazunga area as part of the Second Republic’s efforts to improve transport and logistics infrastructure in line with the National Development Strategy 1.
The Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road is among the major highways targeted for upgrading to enhance trade.
It serves as the main north-south highway across western Zimbabwe, linking South Africa to the region and other partners to the north
The Government has adopted a phased approach to rehabilitate the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Highway, and the Mazunga stretch had become impassable.
Cross-border transporter Mr Brian Moyo expressed relief at the commencement of the rehabilitation works.
“We are so happy to see the road now being attended to. We saw work to rehabilitate the road start last year, but we were concerned as it had stopped and there was no development taking place,” he said.
“Using the detour was a strain as it caused severe damage to my vehicle, considering that I use this road frequently. The Mazunga stretch in particular had become really bad. Using the detour had also become a huge risk, especially at night, as robbers were now targeting vehicles passing through. We hope that this road will be rehabilitated in good time.”
Another motorist, Mr Simba Mpofu, urged the Government to rehabilitate the entire road to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
The Mazunga stretch is being rehabilitated by a local contractor, Steps and Paths Company. The company’s foreman, Mr Charles Mudzuri, indicated that they expect to finish work on the stretch and open it to traffic next month.
“We have already completed some spot dumps, compacted, and are now just finalising. We will be priming in seven days, and we will need 14 days to surface,” he said. “We have adequate manpower to help us meet the deadline, as we have 28 workers on site. We will work promptly to ensure we meet our deadline.”
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, stated that the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road is one of many infrastructural development programmes rolled out by the Government.
The timing is crucial as the Government prepares to host the 2026 national Independence Celebrations.
Minister Nguluvhe highlighted the importance of the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road as a vital link between western Zimbabwe and its major trading partner, South Africa, making it critical for economic development.
“This road is very important to us in Matabeleland South, especially now that we are going to be hosting the independence celebrations. We need all our roads to be in good shape,” he said. “This is the road that links to all businesses in South Africa, tourists going to Victoria Falls, and those using this road to reach Livingstone, so we are quite pleased.”
The Mazunga stretch joins a long list of roads being attended to in Matabeleland South province, including the Gwanda-Maphisa, Plumtree-Maitengwe, and Bulawayo-Kezi roads. Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has made significant strides in infrastructure development, particularly in improving the road network.
The Beitbridge-Masvingo-Harare-Chirundu Highway stands as a testament to this progress.
Several other road projects are underway nationwide, spearheaded by local authorities, Zinara, and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. President Mnangagwa declared the state of road infrastructure in Zimbabwe a national emergency following two years of heavy and destructive rains.
Through the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme, the Government has been rehabilitating the country’s road network in line with Vision 2030.
The Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway is a critical trade route on the regional north-to-south corridor, connecting Zimbabwe with South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A significant portion of the highway has deteriorated to dangerous levels over the years, resulting in numerous fatal accidents.
Endless potholes have turned driving along the route into a challenging and hazardous experience.
