Govt on rural development

Bulawayo Bureau
Government wants to develop rural areas and will hold investment indabas on construction and repair of key road routes.
At yesterday’s commissioning of Mbembesi Bridge at the 50km peg along the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko said: “It is quite pleasing that we are gathered here commissioning this bridge, but we now have to think broadly in terms of finishing the entire road. We are not just talking of the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, but the entire stretch up to Gokwe.
“What I will do is that we will call all stakeholders who have an interest in this road, ranging from the MPs of Bubi, Nkayi South, Nkayi North and Gokwe. We will also call mining companies, the over 35 bus operators, farmers and businesspeople along this route. If we do, I am sure that we will eventually complete this road, which will also boost the economy of the communities along that stretch.”
He went on, “I know that this road was originally being constructed by the government of Kuwait, which abruptly stopped after the land reform, but just last week, the ambassador of Kuwait paid a courtesy call to my office where this issue again came up and he assured me that they will reconsider investing in the project.”

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo said, “We are also focusing on other projects, including another bridge along this road, which is Ingwigwizi. These projects are all a critical part of Zim-Asset as we seek to improve the livelihoods of communities that rely on these bridges.”