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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to completing the Gwanda–Maphisa Road rehabilitation, a project expected to unlock significant economic development in Matabeleland South.
Construction of the Gwanda–Maphisa Road, which had stalled for decades, resumed earlier this year, with six contractors currently on site. The project is among several legacy initiatives being implemented by Government in Matabeleland South, which will host this year’s national Independence Day celebrations at Maphisa Stadium, Matobo District, on Saturday.
Although the road had been earmarked for completion and surfacing before Independence Day, progress was delayed by several factors, including persistent rains experienced across most parts of the country over the past two months.
In the interim, the road has been graded to ensure smooth traffic flow ahead of the celebrations.
An estimated US$6 million is required to complete the Gwanda–Maphisa Road, which falls under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP2). The programme was launched by President Mnangagwa in 2021 after the country’s road network was declared a state of national disaster, allowing for emergency funding and accelerated implementation.
Under ERRP2, Government prioritised the rehabilitation of highways, urban roads and feeder roads to enhance transport efficiency, improve road safety and strengthen regional connectivity in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Speaking during a recent tour of legacy projects in Matabeleland South, VP Mohadi reiterated that Government remains committed to ensuring all incomplete projects initiated ahead of Independence Day are finalised.
“All the projects we have started ahead of the Independence Day celebrations that are going to take place here in Maphisa will be revisited to ensure that they are completed, because they are legacy projects that the people of Matabeleland South Province will look at in the future and say, ‘this is what the 2026 Independence Day celebrations brought to our province’.
“The people of Matabeleland South Province must rest assured that Government will not abandon the unfinished legacy projects because that is not how we do things. That is not how our Government works. I am here as the chairman of National State Occasions and I am very happy with the progress of projects that Government has embarked on ahead of the Independence Day celebrations,” VP Mohadi said.
The Gwanda–Maphisa Road connects several districts and links critical economic hubs, including ARDA Antelope, the Makwe irrigation scheme, two border posts and various tourism sites in Matobo. Once completed, the road is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Gwanda and surrounding districts, particularly Matobo, while improving access to services and unlocking new opportunities in the mining, agriculture and tourism sectors.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, also said Government’s commitment to completing the road has brought renewed hope to communities.
He said finalising the Gwanda–Maphisa Road would unlock economic opportunities critical to the attainment of Vision 2030.
“Construction of the Gwanda–Maphisa 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 for people coming from Gwanda, Beitbridge, Insiza and even Masvingo, among other places. It will also improve intra district connectivity and unlock more business opportunities within the province,” he said.
Other major road projects underway in the province include the Plumtree–Maitengwe Road and the Beitbridge–Bulawayo Highway. These developments form part of Government’s broader Vision 2030 objective of attaining upper middle income status, with a modern and efficient road network regarded as central to that goal.
Under the Second Republic, increased funding has been channelled towards road rehabilitation through Treasury support and disbursements from ZINARA, resulting in the resurfacing, widening and upgrading of several key road networks nationwide.
Government has indicated that the rehabilitation drive is designed not only to prepare for national events but also to leave a durable infrastructure legacy capable of supporting trade, tourism and economic transformation across the country.
Since its inception, the ERRP has transformed Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure, rehabilitating more than 12 000 kilometres of roads, upgrading major urban arteries and restoring bridges damaged or destroyed by floods.–
Online Reporter