Government signs agreement for US$110m Old Gwanda Road upgrade

Freeman Razemba

Senior Reporter

The Government has signed a concession agreement with a local contractor, Zwane Enterprise, to carry out the reconstruction of the 120km Old Gwanda Road.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe signed the agreement on behalf of the Government while Zwane Enterprises was represented by its chief executive officer,

Engineer Bekithemba Mbambo.

This comes after Cabinet last year approved the US$110 million Public-Private-Partnership investment for the upgrading of the road.

Government recently revealed that it will be engaging the private sector in the construction of major roads under the Built-Operate and Transfer model.

In the past few months, the Zwane has been conducting feasibility studies and a total of 43 families are expected to be relocated due to the project.

Two tollgates are expected to be placed along the Old Gwanda Road.

While the project was initially estimated to cost US$110 million, Eng Mbambo recently revealed that the figure may be closer to US$150 million, with US$40 million assigned to enhance the road’s elements and cultural storytelling.

Our Bulawayo Bureau obtained exclusive access to the road’s architectural designs, which show how it aims to promote the diverse tourism offerings of Matabeleland South, with prominent tourist facilities and cultural sites integrated.

The innovative approach aligns with Government’s recognition of the role played by roads in tourism development by fostering smoother connections between travel enthusiasts and their dream destinations.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, together with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, have already forged partnerships to revitalise the country’s roads and airports.