Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE latest developments in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure landscape mark a decisive shift from recovery to consolidation, as Government has extended the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) to December 2027.
The ERRP was launched in 2019 as a special initiative aimed at accelerating the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe’s dilapidated road infrastructure.
President Mnangagwa in February 2021 went further and declared the country’s road network a State of Disaster, with Government setting aside $33,6 billion in local currency and US$400 million.
This extension signals the effective transition from the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) into NDS2, with a sharpened focus on accelerating and sustaining the rehabilitation of urban road infrastructure. The move comes at a time when the country is deepening the gains achieved under NDS1 and positioning itself firmly on the trajectory towards Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle-income economy anchored on sound, modern and efficient infrastructure.
Speaking at a press conference at Kaguvi Building in Harare this week, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona, underscored the strategic importance of continuity under ERRP2.
He said the extension of the programme provides Government with a stable framework to consolidate milestones already achieved in modernising Zimbabwe’s road network.
“The extension of ERRP2 gives us continuity and momentum, but Government cannot do this alone,” said Minister Mhona.
“The success of this programme depends on the collective efforts of all road authorities. We must continue to engage, share ideas and pool resources.”
Decay of urban road infrastructure: A legacy challenge
For decades, urban road infrastructure across Zimbabwe had suffered severe neglect, resulting in widespread decay that made many roads dangerous and, in some cases, completely unnavigable. In cities such as Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare, roads exceeded their 30-year lifespan without meaningful rehabilitation. Chronic underfunding, vandalism, lack of routine maintenance and the explosive growth in traffic volumes all combined to strain an already aging network.
Major roads such as Harare’s Charter Road, Simon Mazorodze Road, Mbuya Nehanda Street, Seke Road and the Mbudzi roundabout deteriorated into death traps riddled with potholes and congestion. In Bulawayo, sections of Luveve Road, Plumtree Road and Leopold Takawira Avenue became emblematic of urban decay. Heavy rains in recent seasons compounded the problem, washing away road surfaces and exposing the fragility of neglected infrastructure.
Opposition-controlled councils and neglect of service delivery
A critical factor behind the decay of urban roads has been the failure of opposition-controlled local authorities to prioritise infrastructure development. Instead of directing resources towards road maintenance and public amenities, many councils became synonymous with corruption, land grabs and the awarding of excessive perks to senior officials. Ratepayers watched helplessly as service delivery collapsed.
Across the country, several council bosses were arrested or investigated on corruption charges. In Harare, former town clerks and senior housing officials faced allegations of corrupt land deals. Chitungwiza, Gweru and Mutare were also rocked by scandals involving illegal land allocations and abuse of office. These scandals diverted attention and resources away from the urgent need to maintain roads, water systems and sanitation infrastructure.
Second Republic intervention and the launch of ERRP
Confronted with collapsing urban infrastructure, President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic took decisive action by intervening directly through the launch of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 1. ERRP1 marked a turning point, restoring the central role of Government in safeguarding critical national infrastructure where local authorities had failed. Flagship projects under ERRP included the rehabilitation of major urban arteries such as Samora Machel Avenue, Julius Nyerere Way, Robert Mugabe Road and Airport Road in Harare, as well as the upgrading of key roads in Bulawayo and other cities.
One of the most iconic projects to emerge was the construction and completion of the Trabablas Interchange, a landmark development designed to ease congestion at one of the country’s busiest traffic nodes.
On the occasion of commissioning major road projects, President Mnangagwa has consistently emphasised infrastructure as the backbone of economic transformation, declaring Government’s commitment to massive road infrastructure rehabilitation as a catalyst for national development and economic growth.
ERRP2, heavy rains and renewed urgency
The extension of ERRP2 comes against the backdrop of recent heavy rains that damaged several road sections across the country.
Minister Mhona highlighted the dual impact of the rains.
“Today’s meeting was of paramount importance in that after the incessant rains that we received, you know that in terms of the agricultural sector, it’s a plus, but when it comes to infrastructure, it is damaged and this is what has happened,” Minister Mhona said
“Not to say that our roads were not done properly, but the amount of rains received and on some sections we had flash floods which caused significant damage.”
He stressed the importance of collaboration with local authorities to ensure citizens have access to trafficable roads, expressing gratitude to President Mnangagwa for responding to public concerns through Statutory Instrument 47 of 2021, which empowered the ministry to rehabilitate roads.
Road infrastructure as a driver of economic growth
Globally, sound road infrastructure has proven to be a key driver of commerce, industrialisation and social mobility. Countries such as China, Germany and South Korea experienced rapid economic booms on the back of sustained investment in road and transport networks that reduced transit times, lowered the cost of doing business and integrated markets. In Zimbabwe’s urban centres, improved roads directly support trade, manufacturing, tourism and the informal sector. Efficient road networks enable the smooth movement of goods and people, reduce vehicle operating costs and enhance access to social services such as health and education.
ERRP2 heralds NDS2 consolidation
The extension of ERRP2 into 2027 effectively ushers in NDS2, providing a solid platform to consolidate economic pillars under Vision 2030. Guided by President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo / Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo,” the Second Republic continues to pursue inclusive development with no one and no place left behind. The programme aligns with broader macroeconomic stability, which has seen Zimbabwe record single-digit inflation for the first time in over two decades, reflecting the positive impact of sound economic policies and strategic public investment.
As Government invests heavily in rehabilitating urban roads, citizens are implored to play their part by protecting this vital infrastructure. Motorists are urged to desist from driving on road shoulders, overloading vehicles and vandalising road furniture, practices that significantly reduce road durability. Equally important is the need for national unity and collective support for President Mnangagwa’s development agenda, which continues to unlock growth opportunities and improve the quality of life for millions.
The extension of ERRP2 to 2027 is a major boon to Zimbabwe’s economy and its Vision 2030 aspirations. In consolidating gains achieved under NDS1 and ushering in NDS2, Government is entrenching infrastructure-led growth as the foundation of national development. Under the steady leadership of President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic, modern road infrastructure is once again becoming a symbol of progress, resilience and shared national purpose
