Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has completed the construction of the Manyame River Bridge along the Harare–Masvingo Highway, marking significant progress on the flagship project.
It is set to be commissioned on April 27, 2026.
The Manyame River Bridge is a critical component of the Harare–Beitbridge Road rehabilitation programme and is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest commercial corridors once fully commissioned.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed the developments.
“Join us for the official opening of the Manyame River Bridge on the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Road — a key milestone in the ongoing modernisation of Zimbabwe’s transport infrastructure,” the Ministry said.
“This strategic development will enhance road safety, improve traffic flow, and facilitate efficient trade and mobility along this vital corridor. Delivering quality infrastructure for national development — kilometre by kilometre.”
In Masvingo, work on the Mucheke River Bridge is also in its final stages.
The bridge forms part of the Masvingo urban bypass and is set to improve traffic flow in the city while strengthening regional connectivity and supporting local economic development.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed the developments, saying the bridge projects are part of a broader national drive to modernise transport infrastructure and improve efficiency along key trade routes.
A 7,3km stretch of the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Road near Ngundu in Mwenezi District was recently opened to traffic as works continue on the dualisation of a 16-kilometre section along the Ngundu Escarpment.
The Ngundu section forms part of the wider rehabilitation and upgrading of the Harare–Beitbridge Highway, a critical north–south trade route linking Zimbabwe to the region.
The project involves the construction of a four-lane dual carriageway, with two lanes in each direction, aimed at improving safety, reducing travel time and facilitating the smooth movement of passengers and freight.
Overall, contractors have completed approximately 540 kilometres of the Harare–Beitbridge Highway, which has been opened to traffic, leaving only 43 kilometres to complete the entire project.
The rehabilitation of the Harare–Beitbridge Highway, alongside the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post to eliminate congestion and delays, remains among the signature infrastructure projects of President Mnangagwa’s administration.
Five local companies — Tensor Systems, Masimba Holdings, Fossil Contracting, Exodus & Company and Bitumen World — were contracted to implement the works.
The project scope includes dualisation, upgrading and tolling, with toll revenues funding rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance.
According to the ministry, Bitumen World has completed 128,8 km, Fossil Contracting 122,6 km, Masimba Holdings 100km, Exodus & Company 90,6 km, and Tensor Systems 90 km, while a 7,2 km trial section has also been completed, bringing the total to 539,2 km opened to traffic.
