Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has engaged Bitumen World Private Limited to undertake dualisation of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway under a Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement while funding for other strategic roads in Matabeleland region is being secured with construction expected to commence immediately.
The Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway has been heavily damaged in recent years and stakeholders have called for its urgent rehabilitation as a critical economic enabler.
Cabinet yesterday considered and approved the reconstruction of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, made the presentation on the proposed rehabilitation of roads.
In his post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the rehabilitation of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Highway was critical as it is a gateway to regional trade markets.
“Cabinet advices that plans are underway to upgrade, rehabilitate, widen and dualise certain sections of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road through a Public-Private Partnership with Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd under a Design, Build, Operate and Transfer contract,” he said.
“The rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road will enhance the movement of transit traffic, thereby making this route the most preferred along the North-South Corridor, connecting Zimbabwe to South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia,” said Dr Muswere.
He also said financing models for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane Road, Bulawayo-Nkayi Road and Karoi-Binga-Cross Dete Road has been finalised and works will start immediately.
Dr Muswere said Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, July Moyo, also presented a comprehensive update on Government’s drought relief interventions.
“As at September 26, 2024, a cumulative total of 68 745.72 metric tonnes had been moved across the country under the second phase of the Blitz Grain Distribution Programme. Meanwhile, all chiefs were allocated five metric tonnes per ward to assist families in distress despite the general allocation given to El Nino-induced drought-affected persons,” said Dr Muswere.
He said on the same date schools had collected 9 605,95 metric tonnes of mealie-meal or maize grain for the Emergency School Feeding Programme.
Dr Muswere said the Department of Social Welfare is finalising the urban cash for cereal programming and beneficiaries are expected to receive cash transfers soon.
He said Cabinet was also briefed on the 2024/25 rainy season where Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, reaffirmed the predictions that the country will receive normal to above normal rains.
Dr Muswere said Cabinet was, however, notified that improved rains will be received effectively next month.
“The month of October is expected to be drier than the long-term average, but from November onwards the forecast is for normal to above normal rainfall. Farmers and the whole nation are guided to plan accordingly,” said Dr Muswere.
Meanwhile, he said Zimbabwe has made significant progress towards its participation in the Osaka Expo in Japan to be held from April to October 2025.
Dr Muswere said President Mnangagwa will lead the country’s Osaka 2024 Expo launch next Thursday as construction of pavilions are expected to have been completed on Monday.
He said next week’s presidential launch should enable the country to mobilise finances to participate in the expo.
“Preparations for the Expo are on course, with the construction of pavilions and the handover of space to countries expected to be completed by the end of September, 2024. Internal works will commence in October 2024 and are expected to be completed by January 2025,” said Dr Muswere.
“The official launch of Zimbabwe’s Participation at Expo 2025 Osaka will be held on October10, 2024 and will be presided over by His Excellency the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa at State House. “The official launch programme is expected to intensify awareness and raise private sector funding for Zimbabwe’s preparation for this global event.” —@nqotshili
derick.khumalo