Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
ANOTHER key section of the Harare-Mazowe Road dualisation project was opened to traffic yesterday, bringing the total completed stretch to 21,7km and marking a milestone in Government’s infrastructure programme.
The newly-completed 4,9km stretch between Christon Bank and Blueridge was met with applause from commuters who have for years navigated congested and often difficult travel on this vital artery.
With only 13km left to complete the full dual carriageway up to Mazowe, authorities are confident the remaining section will be finished by the end of the year.
The opening ceremony drew a high-level delegation including Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo as well as senior Government and ZINARA officials.
Minister Mhona said the project fell within the broader philosophy of self-reliance.
“We are happy as a ministry where we are continuing with the mantra of building our own country, using our people, using our resources,” he said. “This is one of the projects that we are partnering with the private sector on a loan facility.”
He noted that the project had expanded beyond original plans.
“I am happy that today we are witnessing the opening of this carriageway, which actually demonstrates that we have got a listening President. If you remember, we were supposed to dualise just less than 10km—but we are moving to Mazowe turnoff, which is the section leading to Mvurwi, dualising close to 33km.”
The minister appealed for patience, acknowledging the sheer scale of national road rehabilitation.
“There is a massive array of road network in the country, and we cannot attend to each section at the same time.”
He also signalled a shift in focus beyond trunk roads, pledging Government would “take charge of roads that had been neglected by local authorities for so many years.”
“There is going to be massive road rehabilitation projects in the cities,” he added.
Minister Magomo, speaking for Mashonaland Central province, looked further north. He said communities eagerly anticipate the extension of road works to reach the Kanyemba Border Post, where a Smart City Project has been envisioned.
“Once completed, the Kanyemba-Harare Highway will become the lifeblood of economic development in the province,” he said.
