Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
CONSTRUCTION of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road in Matabeleland South, one of the flagship Independence legacy projects rolled out under the Second Republic, has gathered momentum as Government intensifies efforts to complete all outstanding projects in the province by November.
The road is a critical transport artery linking Gwanda, the provincial capital, to Matobo, a district with vast tourism, mining and agricultural potential.
Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to improve access to markets, reduce travelling time and unlock new economic opportunities for communities across Matabeleland South.
This year’s main Independence celebrations were hosted in Maphisa, Matobo District, following Cabinet’s decision to rotate the national event across provinces as part of Government’s devolution and decentralisation agenda anchored on the principle of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
The decision triggered a wave of infrastructure development projects in Matabeleland South, including road rehabilitation, school construction, health facility upgrades, an airstrip, vocational training centres and community business units.
In an interview, Matabeleland South provincial roads engineer Mr Mangisi Nkomo said four contractors are currently on site working on the Gwanda-Maphisa Road, with Government targeting completion of the 55km stretch by November.
“Construction of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road is still ongoing post-Independence. We have engaged four contractors and they are all on the ground carrying out their work. The target is to have the entire 55km stretch tarred by November, which is the set target for all legacy projects. With funds permitting, we can meet this deadline. Contractors are busy with the earthworks and we expect them to progress to surfacing soon,” he said.
Mr Nkomo said at least US$6 million is required to complete the project.
The Gwanda-Maphisa Road project, together with the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Kezi-Maphisa Road, forms part of the Government’s broader infrastructure modernisation programme under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 (ERRP2).
President Mnangagwa launched ERRP2 in 2021 after declaring the country’s deteriorating road network a national disaster, paving the way for emergency funding and the accelerated rehabilitation of major highways, urban roads and feeder roads.
The programme dovetails with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritise infrastructure development as a key enabler for economic transformation, regional integration and improved service delivery.
Other major roads under development in the province include the Plumtree-Maitengwe Road and the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Highway.
Over the past few years, Government has intensified road rehabilitation projects across the country, including major works on the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway and several urban road networks.
In Matabeleland South, the Gwanda-Maphisa Road is expected to enhance connectivity between districts and key economic zones, including ARDA Antelope Estate, Makwe Irrigation Scheme, tourism sites in Matobo and border trade corridors.
The road will also provide a shorter route for travellers from Gwanda, Beitbridge, Insiza and parts of Masvingo heading towards Maphisa and Matobo.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said Government remains committed to ensuring all Independence legacy projects are completed.
“This intervention is in line with the Second Republic’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. As Government, we remain committed to ensuring that legacy projects that were rolled out in Matabeleland South are completed,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said his office is closely monitoring progress on all projects initiated ahead of the Independence celebrations.
“Construction of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road is continuing and Government remains committed to ensuring timeous completion of this project. The community of Matabeleland South has strongly awaited for the construction of this road and we are now seeing the Second Republic deliver,” he said.
“Construction of this road will greatly reduce distances travelled, which is transformative for business and service delivery. Gwanda-Maphisa Road is the shortest route for people travelling to Maphisa from Gwanda, Beitbridge, Insiza and even Masvingo, among other places.”
He said improved road infrastructure would stimulate economic activity, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and enhance access to social amenities in remote communities.
Vice-President Dr Kembo Mohadi, who recently toured some of the Independence legacy projects in Maphisa, also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to completing all outstanding works.
The Independence legacy projects have already transformed parts of Maphisa and surrounding areas, with major developments including classroom blocks, teachers’ cottages, laboratories, health facilities, a cultural centre and upgraded road infrastructure.
Local communities have welcomed the continued construction works, saying the projects are bringing long-awaited development to the province.
“I thought that once Independence had passed, then work on this road was going to come to a standstill, but instead, it is continuing. We are seeing the contractors on the ground doing their work and that is impressive. It shows that the Government didn’t just implement this project as a temporary measure but as an intervention to bring much-needed development to our area,” said motorist Mr Bernard Dube.
Another resident, Ms Thembelihle Masuku, said earthworks already completed had improved traffic flow along sections of the road.
“Once the road is tarred, communities and business centres located along the route will grow because transport and access to markets will improve,” she said.
Government has consistently said infrastructure development remains central to its vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, while positioning the country as a regional transport and logistics hub. —@DubeMatutu
