Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
CONSTRUCTION of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road is expected to gather pace following a review of contractors’ agreements, with authorities working to resolve outstanding issues that have slowed progress on the strategic highway.
Only one of the six contractors working on the road is currently on site, while the others are awaiting the re-view of their contracts before resuming work.
Matabeleland South Provincial Roads Engineer, Mr Mangisi Nkomo, said JRG Goddard was
working on a 10km stretch, while Difflock Construction was expected to resume work on its 30km
section.
“We have one contractor on the ground who is JRG Goddard working on their 10km stretch where
they are working on the subgrade. We are also expecting another contractor Difflock Construction
to resume. These have a 30km stretch.
“Some of the contractors are not on the ground as they are awaiting reviewing of their contracts.
This has slowed down progress but we are expecting a response the issue to be finalised soon,” he
said.
The Gwanda-Maphisa Highway is among several major roads being rehabilitated as part of
Government’s in-frastructure development programme.
Other projects include the Plumtree-Maitengwe Road, Bulawayo-Kezi Road, Plumtree-Tsholotsho
Road and Beitbridge-Bulawayo Highway.
The projects form part of Government’s Vision 2030 ambition of attaining upper-middle-income
economy sta-tus, with an efficient road network considered critical to supporting economic growth
and improving connectiv-ity.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe,
said he would make follow-ups to ensure that all contractors return to the site and construction
gathers pace.
“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.
“This 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. It’s therefore imperative
that this road is completed as soon as pos-sible. Works have now slowed down but I will work
tirelessly to ensure that they gather pace,” he said.
Construction of the Gwanda-Maphisa Highway resumed last year as one of the legacy projects
undertaken in the province ahead of the 2026 Independence celebrations, which Matabeleland
South hosted.
The road connects several districts and links important economic centres, including ARDA
Antelope, Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts and tourist attractions in Matobo.
Once completed, it is expected to reduce travel time between Gwanda and surrounding districts,
particularly Matobo, while improving access to services and creating opportunities in mining,
agriculture and tourism.
A motorist, Mr Ben Ncube, said completing the road would bring relief to motorists and
communities that rely on it.
“We had high hopes when we saw construction of the road resumed last year but now we are
discourage be-cause there isn’t much work being done. We appeal to relevant authorities to see to it
that this projects re-sumes and this time completed,” he said.
—@DubeMatutu
