Construction gains pace on strategic Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe highway

CONSTRUCTION of the strategic Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe Road is gathering momentum, with significant progress recorded on the first phase of the project as contractors intensify works on the initial 10-kilometre stretch of the proposed 240-kilometre highway linking Matabeleland North and Midlands provinces.

The road is being developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Government and local contractor Road Trekkers, a model designed to speed up infrastructure development while easing pressure on the national fiscus.

Once completed, the highway is expected to improve regional connectivity, ease the movement of goods and services, and unlock new economic opportunities along the corridor.

Speaking to the national broadcaster, ZBC, construction engineer Peace Harare said major progress had already been achieved on the first 10 kilometres of the project.

“Where we are, we have sectionalised the road, attacking our first 10 kilometres at the moment. With the 10 kilometres, our road is a four-layered road. We have completed the sub-grade, base three and base two for the entire 10 kilometres, with base one already now at six kilometres,” said Engineer Harare.

He said construction teams had now moved to the next phase of the project, which involves priming the road in preparation for surfacing works.

“We are now also moving on to the next stage of our construction, which is just behind me, where we are now priming.

“We are continuing with the priming today,” said Engineer Harare.

According to ZBC, work is continuing on the remaining sections of the first phase as contractors gear up for subsequent stages of the project.

Explaining the current stage of the works, Engineer Harare said construction crews were focusing on hauling, spreading and compacting materials before the surfacing process begins.

“This is just a part of the process where we have hauled our material, and we are now doing the spread and compaction of the material. On top of this, that’s where we then get to the surfacing stage of the road construction,” he said.

The Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe Road is expected to reduce the travelling distance between Harare and Victoria Falls by about 170 kilometres, significantly improving transport efficiency, cutting travelling time and strengthening regional integration.

Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo said the project was set to deliver major socio-economic benefits to communities in both Matabeleland North and Midlands provinces.

“We thank the Government for implementing this road project, which is set to enhance connectivity in Midlands and Matabeleland North provinces. This will also improve living standards for people in the two provinces and beyond,” he said.

The project is increasingly being viewed as a key example of how public-private partnerships can accelerate infrastructure development while stimulating economic growth.

In addition to the highway, the development will also include supporting infrastructure such as weighbridges to curb overloading and toll plazas to facilitate revenue collection.

Being implemented under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement, the partnership is expected not only to deliver critical transport infrastructure, but also to strengthen local engineering and technical capacity.

With construction steadily progressing, the Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe Road is poised to become a vital transport link that enhances trade, tourism and investment opportunities across Zimbabwe.