Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
THE Ngungumbane-Mataga Road in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province, is finally getting a long awaited facelift, bringing relief to villagers, farmers and transport operators who have struggled for years to access essential services.
Under the Government’s Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), more than 10km of the 30km stretch have already been resurfaced, transforming travel in the area.
The project is part of the Second Republic effort launched after roads were declared a national disaster in 2021, targeting key rural routes that had been neglected for decades.
For the people of Mberengwa, this is more than just fresh tarmac on an old road, it is a new lease of life.
“So far, we have seen the Government resurfacing 10km of the 30-kilometre Ngungumbane-Mataga Road and work is progressing well.
“We are very happy and grateful to our listening leader, President Mnangagwa, for responding to our request. We are now witnessing the roads being fixed,” said Mrs Mejury Shoko, a villager from Ngungumbane.
Transport operators have also felt the impact.
“Before, after every trip, I had to fix my commuter omnibus suspension. But now, things are finally changing. It’s a huge relief,” said Mr Tinashe Shumba, a local transporter.
During an assessment tour, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, highlighted how road rehabilitation fits into the Second Republic’s rural development strategy.
“We have many schemes here in Mberengwa and farmers have been crippled by transport challenges and it affected the growth of the district. The new dispensation has shown that it is committed to improving the welfare of its citizens through the road rehabilitation programme,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the road links communities to schools, clinics, markets and agricultural schemes. He added that its rehabilitation directly supports Vision 2030, which aims to make Zimbabwe an upper middle income economy through infrastructure led growth.
The Ngungumbane-Mataga Road is just one of several major upgrades breathing new life into the Midlands Province.
Recently, Minister Ncube also toured the newly upgraded Kwekwe-Gokwe highway, which passes through the bustling centres of Silobela and Zhombe.
“This road is a vital transportation artery that will significantly boost connectivity and unlock economic growth by easing the movement of goods and people. It also improves access to essential services like healthcare and education,” said Minister Ncube.
Minister Ncube said by investing in critical infrastructure like roads, the Government is creating opportunities for economic growth, social development and improved livelihoods for communities in Midlands Province and beyond.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development announced the completion of a 40 km asphalt overlay on the Kwekwe-Gokwe road, which now awaits final road markings for improved safety and visibility.
“The completion of the 40km asphalt overlay on the Kwekwe Gokwe road marks a significant milestone in our efforts to improve the country’s road infrastructure.
“Our teams are now finalising road markings to ensure clear traffic guidance and improved visibility,” the Ministry stated on its official X page.
