Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE Government will soon deploy four contractors to rehabilitate the badly damaged Bulawayo–Nyamandlovu-Tsholotsho and Bulawayo-Tshefunye-Tsholotsho roads as the Second Republic intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s road network in line with Vision 2030.
Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Richard Moyo, said the deplorable state of the key routes has virtually cut off Tsholotsho District from the rest of the province, making the roads an urgent priority.
He said engagements with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development for the deployment of contractors have already been concluded.
“The Bulawayo-Tsholotsho road is in an extremely bad state. We are yet to get a contractor on the ground, but the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has assured us that at least two contractors will soon be deployed to work on the Bulawayo via Nyamandlovu-Tsholotsho road,” said Minister Moyo.
“Motorists have since abandoned that route and are now using the Tshefunye road, which is also now in bad shape. We therefore need two contractors for that route as well.”
The 104-kilometre Bulawayo–Nyamandlovu-Tsholotsho road has deteriorated significantly, with deep potholes and worn-out sections slowing traffic. A journey that should take about an hour and a half now stretches beyond three hours.
As a result, motorists — including public transport operators and haulage trucks — have diverted to the longer Bulawayo-Tshefunye-Tsholotsho route. However, the increased traffic volumes have accelerated the deterioration of that road as well.
The Bulawayo-Tshefunye section, although tarred, is riddled with potholes, while the stretch from Tshefunye to Tsholotsho Business Centre — approximately 50 kilometres — remains a gravel road.
The gravel stretch was last rehabilitated by Government ahead of the 45th Independence Day provincial main — celebrations held in Tsholotsho last year — the first time since 1980 that the district hosted the event.
The move was part of the Government’s decentralisation thrust aimed at spreading national programmes and infrastructure development to previously marginalised areas.
However, continued heavy rains and increased traffic have since taken a toll on the road.
The last notable works on the Bulawayo-Nyamandlovu–Tsholotsho road were undertaken in 2024, when a 2,4-kilometre stretch near Norwood towards Nyamandlovu was widened and rehabilitated.
Public transport operators say the poor road conditions have increased vehicle maintenance costs, forcing some to reroute via Bulawayo-Solusi Road to reduce wear and tear.
The deteriorating infrastructure has also affected business operations in Tsholotsho, with transporters and suppliers passing on vehicle repair costs to commuters. This has resulted in higher prices for goods and services in the district.
Minister Moyo, who was addressing headmen from Matabeleland North Province on Monday, said road rehabilitation remains a key pillar of the Government’s infrastructure development agenda.
He updated traditional leaders on progress made on other strategic roads in the province, including the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, Bulawayo-Nkayi Road and the Lupane–Nkayi-Kwekwe Road.
“We have eight contractors on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road and work is progressing well. I am sure by August it will be clear where we are going,” said Minister Moyo.
“The contractors had taken a holiday break but are now back on site. I urged them to start with pothole patching before they start working on their respective stretches.”
Minister Moyo added that Government will engage the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) to expedite fuel allocations to district councils to enable them to regravel feeder roads under their jurisdiction.
The rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho roads is expected to restore connectivity, ease the cost of doing business and unlock economic potential in the largely agrarian district, which also has growing tourism prospects linked to Hwange National Park and surrounding conservancies.
