adminTransport, Communications and Infrastructural Development Minister Nicholas Goche, who officiated at the event, became the first motorist to drive through the bridge.
“Questions have been asked of me as to when the bridge was going to be completed,” he said. “Now I can say it is finally done. The dualisation of the Harare-Norton Road commenced in the early 90s when work started from Bishop Gaul Avenue to the Kuwadzana roundabout.”
Minister Goche said a contract was then awarded to a Chinese company in 1996 to work from the roundabout to the 25-kilometre peg, but funds ran out and the project was suspended in 2001.
“From 2003, Government continued with the works up to Turnpike Service Station which was completed in February 2012,” he said.
“It is Government’s intention to continue the dualisation of this road to Kadoma in the near future and eventually to Gweru and Bulawayo.”
Minister Goche urged motorists and people from surrounding areas to put the road to good use.
“This dualised road is an asset being added to the many infrastructure assets we have in the country. It belongs to us together and we must look after it and maintain it,” Minister Goche said.
“An aspect that I feel I must mention is that of road signs. I urge fellow Zimbabweans to stop vandalising road signs and bridge plaques. Stealing signs introduces road safety hazards and is undesirable.”
Mashonaland West Governor and Resident Minister Faber Chidarikire said Government was committed to improving road infrastructure to reduce road accidents.
“In our provincial development committee meetings the construction of the bridge we are opening today and dualisation of the road has been high on the agenda for the past few years,” he said.
“In some instances, it was reported that there was slow progress. However, we remained confident that the project would be finished on time. Today we are happy the projects are complete.
“It is our hope that your (Minister Goche) efforts will have sound fiscal support so that the tarring of Karoi-Bumi Road among others can also be completed.”
Zvimba East legislator Cde Patrick Zhuwawo said the opening of the bridge was a 33rd independence anniversary present to the people of Mashonaland West.
“We are celebrating 33 years of independence on Thursday (today) and to us there is no better present than this,” he said.
Online Reporter