Communities await highway upgrade benefits

THE rehabilitation of the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Highway is progressing well with 6km of the stretch having been tarred out of 43km as of yesterday.

The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to communities in Shurugwi District through improved connectivity and accessibility.

Under the project, the Government is widening and constructing the 43km road, which connects Beitbridge Border Post to major towns and cities such as Gweru, Kwekwe in the Midlands, Chegutu, Kadoma, Chinhoyi, Karoi and Chirundu Border Post.

The project, which is expected to be completed within 12 months, will enhance trade and promote economic growth in the province.

Locals have commended the Government for implementing the project as it has created employment opportunities and will stimulate trade and investment in the province.

Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, Ms Fananai Madambi, recently led a team of engineers and Government officials to assess progress on the rehabilitation of the road.

The scope of the project includes the construction, upgrading and widening of the road.

In an interview, Ms Madambi said they were satisfied with the ongoing works after a 6km stretch was completed.

“So far out of the 43 kilometres that is going to be rehabilitated, the contractors have managed to complete 6km, which is good and impressive,” she said.

Ms Madambi said the project was being constructed using modern and quality equipment, which will produce a durable and quality road.

“The ongoing works confirm the Government’s commitment to deliver meaningful progress towards infrastructural development,” she said.

Shurugwi South legislator, Cde Wilson Mhuri, said he was ecstatic about the positive spin-offs of the project.

He said the road works have instilled renewed hope and optimism in the local community adding that the project is expected to boost economic growth and development in the region.

“Goods and people will move easily after the completion of this road, and this means a lot to the people of Shurugwi who have been finding it difficult to cross to Masvingo province through this shorter route,” said Cde Mhuri.

A local businessman Mr Amos Tanyanyiwa said the improved road infrastructure will enhance trade, commerce, and transportation.

“As the local community, we are expecting to benefit from increased economic activity and job opportunities. We are very excited about the progress because once the road is reopened, buses and trucks will start using this route and that’s a plus for us in terms of business opportunities,” he said.

Mrs Anna Ncube said many rural business centres were on the verge of collapse as transporters were shunning the road, a negative development that resulted in reduced human traffic and challenges in moving goods.

“When rehabilitation is complete, more people will be able to participate in the economic matrix, which means development for this district and the province at large,” she said.