Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has awarded tenders to two contractors to rehabilitate a 15-kilometre stretch of the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road, a move expected to accelerate efforts to restore one of Matabeleland North’s most important transport corridors.
The two contractors have each been assigned 7,5 kilometres of road works, with construction expected to commence in the near future.
The development was announced on Friday by Engineer Peace Harare of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development during a briefing for the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, ahead of the launch of the community-driven Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative (TRRI).
Eng Harare said the contractors were appointed in line with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act and would undertake rehabilitation works on the section of the road between Bulawayo and Nyamandlovu.
“The two contractors were appointed in terms of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act. They will do the road works over 15km from Bulawayo towards Nyamandlovu,” he said.
The Government-funded project forms part of wider efforts to rehabilitate the strategic road, which serves as a critical transport link between Bulawayo, Nyamandlovu and Tsholotsho. The route is heavily used by commuters, transport operators, traders and farmers moving people and goods between the district and the country’s second-largest city.
Over the years, the road has deteriorated significantly, resulting in longer travelling times, frequent vehicle breakdowns and increased maintenance costs for motorists and public transport operators.
To complement the Government’s intervention, the Tsholotsho community has mobilised resources towards the rehabilitation of the broader 65-kilometre road through the Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative.
The community-led programme, chaired by Botswana-based businessman Mr Cephas Tshuma, has brought together
Tsholotsho residents, members of the diaspora and other well-wishers who have contributed financially and materially towards the rehabilitation effort.
The initiative was launched in response to growing concern over the poor state of the road and its impact on the movement of people, agricultural produce and essential goods between Tsholotsho and Bulawayo.
Traditional leaders have welcomed the initiative, with Chief Mathuphula expressing support for the community’s decision to take an active role in addressing infrastructure challenges affecting the district.
The chief has previously advocated for development initiatives that respond directly to the needs of rural communities, where reliable road infrastructure is essential for accessing schools, health facilities, markets and other key services.
Transport operators have also hailed the rehabilitation programme, saying it is expected to improve road safety, reduce vehicle maintenance costs and enhance the efficiency of public transport services.
Bulawayo-Nyamandlovu-Tsholotsho Transport Association representative Mr Parliament Mlingo said operators had incurred substantial losses over the years due to poor road conditions.
“This is a massive development for the district and for us as transport operators. Our cars were constantly breaking down, which naturally chewed into our profits, but with this programme, it will improve the ease of doing business for us,” he said.
Mr Mlingo said the initiative highlighted what communities could achieve when they unite behind a common cause.
“This is a true demonstration of the saying ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo (a country is built by its owners). Communities can make a difference when they come together,” he said.
He said an efficient transport network remained fundamental to the growth of the transport industry and expressed confidence that the project would significantly improve transport operations along the route.
“Transport business thrives with a proper road network, and we are now on the road towards that,” he said.
The Government-funded works are expected to complement the community-led initiative, with local residents taking ownership of the development agenda while Government provides technical expertise and financial support.
The Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road is widely regarded as a key economic artery for the district, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, livestock, inputs and other goods between Tsholotsho and major markets in Bulawayo.
Its rehabilitation is expected to improve connectivity, reduce transport costs, enhance road safety and stimulate economic activity along the corridor.
The project also aligns with the Second Republic’s infrastructure modernisation drive and Vision 2030 agenda, which seek to promote efficient transport networks and inclusive economic development across the country.
The Tsholotsho road rehabilitation programme has emerged as a notable example of Government-community collaboration, with public investment being reinforced by local resource mobilisation in line with the philosophy that ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.
Blessing Chizhande