Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT is pressing ahead with massive infrastructure development and road rehabilitation works countrywide, targeting not only major highways, but also community roads and feeder networks.
This accelerated drive falls under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 (ERRP2), which has been extended to 2026 following a directive from President Mnangagwa.
The extension reaffirms the Government’s commitment to building a modern, interconnected transport network capable of positioning Zimbabwe as a regional logistics hub.
Initially launched in March 2021 as a short-term response to extensive road damage caused by years of neglect and extreme weather, ERRP2 has since evolved into a long-term national infrastructure revival initiative aligned with Vision 2030.
The programme’s continuation is expected to fast-track the construction of new roads, rehabilitation of existing routes and upgrading of drainage and safety infrastructure – particularly along key economic corridors linking Zimbabwe to other SADC countries.
Addressing the Senate recently, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed that tender processes for numerous roads across all provinces have been finalised.
“A number of our roads are in a sorry state because of various reasons. Again, I want to assure you that we have done the procurement process for most of those roads,” he said.
Acknowledging the scale of the task, Minister Mhona appealed for public patience, noting that Zimbabwe’s vast road network cannot be rehabilitated all at once.
“These are massive road rehabilitation programmes. We have a huge network of roads and that calls for patience. If you continue indulging us, you will see us building our own country,” he said.
Key projects underway across provinces
Bulawayo & Matabeleland North: Rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is progressing well, with nearly 60km already opened to traffic. The Bulawayo-Nkayi project, linked to the Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane road, is also underway to improve social connectivity and shorten travel time to Victoria Falls.
Midlands: Work continues on the Kadoma-Sanyati-Nembudziya route in Gokwe, as well as the Ngugubane-Mataga road in Mberengwa. The long-neglected Kwekwe-Lalapanzi road is set to receive attention this year.
Masvingo: President Mnangagwa is expected to commission the upgraded Ngundu section soon. Minister Mhona will officially open the completed Mucheke River Bridge at the end of this month, while construction of a second bridge upstream is already advanced. Resurfacing of the Chivhu-Gutu Road is progressing well.
Mashonaland East: Construction of the Melfort Bridge along the Harare-Mutare Highway is underway, with the road being dualised up to Marondera. The Marondera-Hwedza road is nearing completion, with only an 11km stretch remaining. Work on the Hwedza-Sadza project has resumed.
Manicaland: The Murambinda-Birchenough Bridge Road project is ongoing. Work on the Chipinge-Mt Selinda and Nyanga-Ruwangwe roads is expected to resume soon. The Christmas Pass bypass in Mutare is under construction, with earthworks visible, promising to reduce accidents on this hazardous pass.
Mashonaland Central: The Harare-Kanyemba road project stands out as a major undertaking. The dualisation of the Harare-Mazowe stretch up to Blueridge was officially opened last month. Rehabilitation of the Mt Darwin-Ndodahondo and St Alberts-Mt Darwin roads is also underway.
Harare Province: Following the completion of the Trabablas Interchange along the Harare-Masvingo corridor, the Mabvuku Interchange is set to ease congestion further. Other projects include the Jaggers Interchange, Airport Road upgrade to ED Mnangagwa Road, and upgrades to Churchill Road and Legacy Way.
Major Highways to
commence soon
Reconstruction of the Harare-Chirundu Highway will begin shortly, with five contractors – Fossil, Tensor Systems, Masimba Construction, Exodus and Company, and Bitumen World – each allocated approximately 67km to ensure timely completion. Works on the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway, including a modern border facility at Nyamapanda Border Post, are also expected to commence soon.
Milestones Achieved in Road Construction Under ERRP2
Since its launch in 2021, Zimbabwe’s road rehabilitation programme has recorded several notable milestones:
Extension to 2026 – The programme’s transformation from a short-term emergency response to a long-term infrastructure revival signals sustained political will and funding continuity.
Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road-Nearly 60km of this strategic tourism corridor has been completed and opened to traffic, boosting access to Victoria Falls.
Harare-Mazowe Dualisation – The stretch up to Blueridge has been fully completed and officially opened, marking a major achievement in Mashonaland Central.
Trabablas Interchange (Harare) – Completed along the Harare-Masvingo corridor, this project has significantly improved traffic flow at one of the capital’s busiest intersections.
Mucheke River Bridge (Masvingo) – Set for official opening by end of month, with a second bridge upstream at an advanced stage, enhancing flood resilience and connectivity.
Marondera-Hwedza Road – Nearing full completion, with only an 11km stretch left, dramatically improving access to surrounding growth points.
Ngundu Section Upgrade – Awaiting commissioning by the President, this project represents a key improvement on the Harare-Beitbridge corridor.
Procurement Finalised for Multiple Roads – Tender processes completed across all provinces, ensuring transparency and readiness for accelerated works.
Engagement of Multiple Contractors on Major Highways – Five contractors appointed for the Harare-Chirundu Highway, each handling 67km to speed up delivery.
Focus on Feeder Roads and Rural Connectivity – Projects like Hwedza-Sadza, Murehwa-Madecheche, and Nhakiwa-Nyadire-Mutoko demonstrate a deliberate shift toward inclusive rural development.
