admin
Gibson Mhaka
IN a significant move aimed at improving connectivity and economic development in the southern region of the country, the Cabinet has approved a partnership between the Government and Bitumen World to rehabilitate the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road.
The report was presented by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Felix Mhona. In his post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said Cabinet has approved plans to upgrade, rehabilitate, widen, and dualise certain sections of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road through a Public-Private Partnership with Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd under a Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer contract.
“The rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road will enhance the movement of transit traffic, thereby making this route the most preferred along the North South Corridor, connecting Zimbabwe to South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.
“In addition, financial arrangements have been concluded for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of other roads including Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane Road; Bulawayo-Nkayi Road; and Karoi-Binga-Cross Dete Road. All these roads will start immediately,” said Minister Muswere.
Dr Muswere said the Cabinet has also noted the report on the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy, Urban Cash Transfer Programme, and Movement of Grain, which was presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, July Moyo.
“As of 26 September 2024, a cumulative total of 68 745.72 metric tonnes had been moved across the country under the Second Phase of the Blitz Grain Distribution Programme. Meanwhile, all Chiefs were allocated 5 metric tonnes per ward to assist families in distress despite the general allocation given to El Nino-induced drought-affected persons.
“As of 26 September 2024, a cumulative total of 9 605.95 metric tonnes of mealie-meal or maize grain had been collected under the Emergency School Feeding Programme. The Urban-Cash-for-Cereal Programme is progressing well and it is expected that the generality of the population will start receiving cash transfers,” said Dr Muswere.
Dr Muswere also announced that Cabinet received a briefing on the 2024/2025 Seasonal Rainfall Forecast for Zimbabwe from the Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni.
“Cabinet would like to advise that during the 2024/2025 summer season the country is expected to receive normal to above normal rainfall. However, the month of October is expected to be drier than the long-term average, but from November onwards the forecast is for normal to above normal rainfall. Farmers and the whole nation are guided to plan accordingly,” said Minister Muswere.
Online Reporter