Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
ONLY two detours now remain on the first 100 kilometres of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road after Government yesterday opened another rehabilitated section, delivering motorists shorter, smoother and safer journeys along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest highways.
The latest 9.2-kilometre stretch, rehabilitated by Syvern Investment, brings the total length of the upgraded highway now open to traffic to 68 kilometres as Government accelerates work on one of the country’s largest road infrastructure projects under the
Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 (ERRP2).
The news crew observed that from Bulawayo to approximately the 100-kilometre peg, only two detours now remain. The first stretches for about eight kilometres while the second is approximately 1 kilometre long, representing a significant reduction compared to the numerous diversions motorists previously had to negotiate.
The improved sections are already easing travel for motorists using the route, reducing journey times, vehicle wear and tear, and driver fatigue along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest tourism and trade corridors. A bus driver operating the Harare-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls route, Mr Miti Mabasa, welcomed the latest development, saying every completed kilometre contributes to safer and faster journeys.
“I am happy with this development because it also reduces our travel time and fatigue. I am calling upon authorities to expedite completion of the entire road, but otherwise this is commendable,” said Mr Mabasa.
Another motorist, Ms Sakhile Ndlovu, said the gradual improvements demonstrated Government’s commitment to restoring one of the country’s key transport arteries.
“It’s really pleasing to see that bit by bit we are getting there. Rome was never built overnight, so I really want to salute President Mnangagwa for living true to his word that ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,” she said.
Speaking after the opening, the project’s engineer for the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, Engineer Xolani Ncube, acknowledged that while progress had at times been slower than anticipated, the seven contractors remained on course to meet their contractual deadlines.
“The 9.2km stretch by Syvern Investment, which we have just opened today, takes our total road opened to 68km. We are still confident that our contractors are on course to meet their deadlines,” said Eng Ncube.
The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is one of Zimbabwe’s most strategic highways, linking the country’s second-largest city with the resort city of Victoria Falls, a global tourism destination and home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It also forms part of the North-South Corridor, facilitating regional trade between Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries, including Zambia, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For years, sections of the highway had deteriorated significantly due to ageing infrastructure, increased traffic volumes, heavy commercial vehicles resulting in numerous potholes, reduced travel speeds and rising vehicle maintenance costs.
The road’s rehabilitation was prioritised under ERRP2 to restore the country’s road network and improve transport efficiency.
According to Engineer Arnold Mutungwazi, Syvern Investment’s project manager, the company has now opened 13.9 kilometres of its allocated 51-kilometre section to traffic.
“To date, we have completed 13.9km opened it to traffic from our 51km stretch that we have been allocated,” said Eng Mutungwazi.
Eng Ncube said steady progress was also being recorded by the other contractors working on different sections of the highway.
According to the latest progress report, Fossil Contracting has completed and opened 6.2 kilometres to traffic, while Masimba Holdings has opened 10.3 kilometres and has also completed carriageway lane markings on the rehabilitated section.
“Bitumen Resources has opened 5.4km to traffic, Tensor Systems 5.6km while Asphalt and Bitumen World are yet to open any of their sites to traffic.
“However, I must stress that within the road, we have part of it under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 where Bitumen World is the main contractor. They have opened 20.9km of the traffic road,” said Eng Ncube.
Government expects the ongoing rehabilitation works to enhance road safety, reduce travelling time, lower vehicle operating costs and strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a regional transport and tourism hub.
Upon completion, the upgraded highway is expected to boost tourism to Victoria Falls, improve the movement of goods and services along the North-South Corridor, and support the country’s broader infrastructure modernisation agenda under Vision 2030.
