Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Government is rolling out several road rehabilitation and construction projects in Matabeleland South Province as part of its commitment to improving connectivity, enhancing service delivery, and unlocking economic opportunities.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has said such infrastructure development projects play a key role in driving economic growth and development.
He was speaking during the recent commissioning of the new Road Maintenance Unit Camp, a strategic facility that will serve as a hub for road maintenance operations in Beitbridge District.
“This investment will greatly improve our responsiveness and efficiency in preserving our road assets, especially for the newly constructed Beitbridge Masvingo Highway,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister, Joshua Sacco, led proceedings at the event on behalf of Minister Felix Mhona. The Beitbridge Maintenance Camp was built by the Government in partnership with the ZimBorders Consortium as part of the US$300 million border modernisation of port projects.
Some of the out-of-port projects include the construction of a 11,4 mega litres water reservoir, 220 staff houses for border agencies, a new sewer oxidation dam, a new fire station and the upgrading of some local roads.
The new camp has seven houses, a workshop, an administration block and four guest houses for visiting road engineers.
Minister Nguluvhe said the rehabilitation of roads in the province ahead of the festive season this year and the province’s hosting of the national Independence Day celebrations next year in Matobo District were critical.
He said the newly commissioned road maintenance camp was vital in ensuring that the road infrastructure is well serviced and looked after by engineers in real time.
In Beitbridge, Minister Nguluvhe said the Government had since engaged a contractor to surface a 10km portion along the Beitbridge to Bulawayo Road in the Mazunga area, which had become a busy stretch, especially during the rainy season.
“Some of the key projects include the 10km road reconstruction project along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge corridor, and the Gwanda-Maphisa 10km road construction project,” he said.
“These projects are expected to improve access to healthcare, education and social services, as well as markets for rural communities.”
Minister Nguluvhe emphasised the importance of infrastructure-led growth, saying the province is dedicated to supporting efforts to bring the province closer to Vision 2030 of a modern, connected and prosperous Zimbabwe.
He said the visit to the province by the Transport Minister and other road authorities highlighted the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and the significance of the road infrastructure projects in facilitating trade, movement and regional integration.
Nguluvhe added that a lot of roads in the province will be spruced up, reconstructed and maintained as part of the Government’s efforts to transform the road network.
