Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
THE Government continues to honour its pledge to “leave no one and no place behind” in national development, marked by the opening of a newly rehabilitated 3,6km stretch along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway in Hwange.
This section, now open to traffic, is part of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) — a nationwide initiative aimed at modernising and maintaining critical transport infrastructure.
The road works were executed by Bitumen World, under their ongoing contract to rehabilitate 32 kilometres of the highway. So far, 14km have been completed, with a further 10km expected to be delivered before year-end. The rehabilitation involved full road reconstruction and upgraded surfacing to enhance durability and safety.
Speaking at the opening event on Friday, Engineer Peace Takudzwa Harare, a construction engineer for Matabeleland North Province, said the road rehabilitation is part of a coordinated, multi-contractor programme targeting the completion of all 440km between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls within 10 months.
“Today, what we have done is open this 3.6km section to traffic, which has undergone full rehabilitation and surfacing by Bitumen World. They are one of eight contractors currently working on the Bulawayo to Victoria Falls Road.
“All eight contractors are fully mobilised and at different stages of construction. These works are not only about building roads, but also ensuring sustainability and protecting the investment. Each toll plaza will be equipped with a weighbridge to prevent overloaded trucks from damaging the road again, and we are working on legislative support so that overweight vehicles cannot proceed without clearance,” said Engineer Harare.
He also emphasised the environmental sensitivity of Hwange, noting that contractors are reclaiming and reusing much of the original road material to minimise damage to natural forests and wildlife habitats.
“We are not just constructing, we are building in a sustainable way. We are reusing materials and minimising our environmental footprint to ensure that both the community and future generations benefit from this development,” he said.
Traditional leaders in Hwange hailed the progress as a major step forward in improving connectivity, access to tourism corridors, and stimulating local economic growth.
Chief Whange said the district had long suffered from deteriorating road conditions.
“This road is our lifeline. We have been struggling for years. Now, with this new work, people will move more easily, businesses will grow, and our tourists will come without fear. It brings hope to our communities,” said Chief Whange.
Chief Nekatambe echoed the sentiment.
“Our district is rich in wildlife and tourism, yet poor roads were holding development back. What we see today is meaningful progress. We appreciate the Government and those working on the road,” he said.
Hwange Local Board town secretary, Mr Ndumiso Mdlalose, said the project will reduce transport costs, revive investment interest, and improve service delivery.
“We had reached a point where movement was expensive — food, construction supplies, transport services, everything was becoming a challenge. The rehabilitation of this road directly improves our competitiveness. What impressed us further is the Government’s commitment to weighbridge enforcement, so that the road is not destroyed after reconstruction. We will support this work kilometre by kilometre,” Mr Mdlalose said.
Motorists, long frustrated by the potholed highway, welcomed the development.
“Driving here used to be a nightmare; now it’s smooth. Time is less, fuel is less, and the stress is gone.
This is progress we can feel,” said a Bulawayo-Victoria Falls haulage truck driver.
Another private motorist from Hwange added: “This road is our gateway to Victoria Falls and business.
We are happy to see real work happening, not just promises.”
The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway is one of Zimbabwe’s most strategic roads, linking the country to regional tourism hubs and trade corridors extending into Zambia, Botswana, and beyond.
Its rehabilitation is expected to boost tourism flows to Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls, enable safer coal transportation from Hwange mines, and enhance both local and regional commerce.
The Government has accelerated ERRP work nationwide, targeting both major highways and community access roads to ensure inclusive development.
The mini-opening event was attended by various stakeholders, including Government officials led by the acting Hwange District Coordinator, Mrs Nyaradzo Masoja.
