Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
THE Government has started working to expedite the completion of the 60km Gwanda-Maphisa Road rehabilitation in Matabeleland South Province, a critical infrastructure project that is expected to unlock economic growth and improve connectivity ahead of the province hosting the 2026 national Independence Day celebrations.
Initial works covering the first 10km stretch of the road have already started, with the full project targeted for completion by early next year.
The road upgrade is part of a wider programme of legacy projects that will accompany the historic decision to hold the Independence celebrations at Maphisa Open Grounds in line with the Second Republic’s devolution and decentralisation agenda.
Once completed, the road will cut travel time between Gwanda and surrounding districts, including Matobo and link vital economic hubs such as Arda Antelope, Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts and tourist sites in Matobo.
This is expected to create new economic opportunities in mining, agriculture and tourism.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, who toured the site, described the project as the “heartbeat of Matabeleland South.”
“We are thankful to the Government for choosing our province to host the Independence celebrations, a move which has come with significant development projects such as the Gwanda-Maphisa Road.
“This road is the heartbeat of Matabeleland South. With its completion, we are reducing travel distances by over 150 kilometres to some areas, which is transformative for business and service delivery,” he said.
The road serves as the shortest route to Maphisa for travellers from Gwanda, Beitbridge, Insiza, Masvingo and beyond and will also strengthen intra-district connectivity, opening up new local business opportunities.
“This is one of the roads which we will ensure is completed before Independence Celebrations,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
Matabeleland South provincial roads engineer, Mr Mangisi Nkomo, confirmed that initial grading and detour works have been completed.
He said the project has now entered its major construction phase.
The Gwanda–Maphisa Road is one of several major rehabilitation projects in the province, alongside the upgrading of the Plumtree–Maitengwe Road, Bulawayo–Kezi Road and the Beitbridge–Bulawayo Highway, which are all part of the Second Republic’s infrastructure-led economic strategy.
In a recent post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the Gwanda–Maphisa Road rehabilitation is part of the Government’s bold move to rotate national events across provinces, ensuring that infrastructure development follows to transform local communities.
The Bulawayo–Maphisa Road is also set for a major upgrade, with plans to extend it to the Mphoengs Border with Botswana to promote regional connectivity and trade.
Dr Muswere said rotational hosting of national events, a policy introduced by President Mnangagwa, has become a powerful equaliser, ensuring that no province is left behind.
He said the Government has made significant strides in implementing legacy projects initiated during Independence Day and Children’s Party Celebrations in different provinces across the country and remains committed to replicating the initiative in the remaining provinces.
Past host provinces have already benefited from similar transformative projects, including clinics, bridges, classroom blocks, boreholes and sports facilities. For instance, during this year’s celebrations held in Nembudziya, Gokwe North in Midlands Province, the district saw the construction and rehabilitation of roads such as the Nembudziya-Sanyati-Kadoma Road, a football stadium, mortuary and other key infrastructure.
By pairing national celebrations with lasting development, the Government hopes to drive inclusive economic growth and improve people’s livelihoods, ensuring that progress is felt in every corner of the country. — @DubeMatutu
