Online Reporter
Peter Matika
Bulawayo Bureau
THE Government has intensified infrastructure works ahead of the 46th Independence celebrations to be hosted in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, with rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Matopos Road now nearing completion.
Construction of the road is among several major roads undergoing rehabilitation in Matabeleland South Province. The project gained momentum after Cabinet decided to host the 2026 Independence celebrations at Maphisa Open Grounds.
The project forms part of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2, launched by President Mnangagwa in 2021 after declaring the country’s road network a national disaster, allowing emergency funding and accelerated implementation.
Through ERRP2, the Government has prioritised rehabilitation of highways, urban roads and feeder roads to improve transport efficiency, road safety and regional connectivity in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the Second Republic’s commitment to building a modern, interconnected transport network that positions Zimbabwe as a regional logistics hub of choice.
The ERRP2, which was initially launched as a short-term response to widespread road damage caused by years of neglect and extreme weather, has since evolved into a long-term national infrastructure revival initiative driving economic transformation.
The Bulawayo–Maphisa route is among strategic roads being upgraded to improve access to Matabeleland South ahead of the national celebrations scheduled for April 18.
Matabeleland South provincial roads engineer Mangisi Nkomo said progress had initially been slowed by persistent rains, but major sections would be ready in time for the Independence Day commemorations.
“From the time we were awarded the tender to refurbish the Bulawayo–Matopos Road, we were operating in the wet season. Ideally, the road requires three structural layers, but due to the prevailing weather conditions, we have so far managed to place only the first layer,” he said.
Eng Nkomo said the first layer would still allow safe movement of traffic during the commemorations while additional works continue afterwards.
“So far, we have accomplished 70 percent of the work and will now focus on dust suppression, improving safety and enhancing road hazard prevention measures, including proper signage,” he said.
One of the contractors, Zada Construction, is handling a five-kilometre stretch from 23rd Avenue in Bulawayo to the city boundary.
Zada Construction chief operating officer Jacob Gino said they are on course to complete their section by April 15.
“I can safely say we are now 70 percent complete and we expect to finish by April 15, in time for the Independence celebrations,” he said.
The upgrading of the Bulawayo–Matopos Road is part of a wider rehabilitation programme covering major routes, including the Bulawayo–Kezi–Maphisa and Gwanda–Maphisa roads, which are critical to linking Bulawayo to Matabeleland South Province.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe, recently toured the Bulawayo–Kezi–Maphisa and Gwanda–Maphisa roads to assess progress ahead of the national event.
During the tour conducted last week, Eng Makumbe led a delegation comprising senior officials from the Ministry, including director of roads Engineer Jarawani Kangara and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration chief executive officer, Mr Nkosinathi Ncube.
The 120-kilometre stretch is undergoing rehabilitation and maintenance at various stages, with multiple contractors deployed to expedite the works.
Eng Makumbe said the projects were critical in improving regional connectivity and ensuring the country successfully hosts national events while leaving a lasting infrastructure legacy.
“These roads are important not only for the Independence celebrations but also for long-term socio-economic development, as they improve accessibility, ease the movement of goods and services and connect communities,” she said.
Over the years, the Bulawayo–Matopos Road has been a key artery linking the city to the Matobo District, a region of historical, cultural and economic significance. However, like many of the country’s major roads, it had deteriorated due to years of limited maintenance and increased traffic volumes.
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 routes nationwide.
The Government has said the rehabilitation drive is designed not only to prepare for national events but also to leave a durable infrastructure legacy that supports trade, tourism and economic transformation across the country
Since its inception, the ERRP has transformed Zimbabwe’s road landscape, rehabilitating over 12 000km of roads, upgrading key urban arteries, and restoring bridges destroyed by floods.
