Kwekwe-Mvuma road rehab progressing well

THE rehabilitation of Kwekwe–Mvuma Road in Midlands Province is progressing well as contractors race against time to meet completion deadlines and enhance smooth transport and logistics for business viability.

The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (Rida) is implementing the project, which has been commended by farmers and business people.

The 100km road is the shortest route between Mvuma and Kwekwe as it cuts distance travelled by motorists who usually go via Gweru.

Once rehabilitation is completed, the road will make life easy for farmers and miners who use the route to Mvuma or Kwekwe for the trading of goods and services.

Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, said the rehabilitation of the road is part of the grand plan to upgrade the infrastructure in the country in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS 1).

“As the Government, we are happy that we are witnessing the development of the country. This is a critical road infrastructure in our province. The road links with the Manhize Steel Plant, which is very critical in spurring national development,” he said.

“We will continue to make it a point that we increase the national development trajectory.”

The minister said the Second Republic will continue to make strides in developing various parts of the province through its inclusive development agenda.

“Second Republic is leaving no one and no place behind as that is what President Mnangagwa has been spearheading. We have a lot of life-changing people-centred projects in the province and this is one of them,” he added.

Kwekwe-based property developer and hotelier with business interests in and outside the country, Dr Solomon Matsa, said he was excited by the ongoing rehabilitation works.

“Expanding business is much easier if roads are in good condition hence people can do business with greater ease when there is a good road network in the country,” he said. “So, we are very grateful to the great works being carried out by the Second Republic in rehabilitating our roads.”

A farmer who frequently uses the Mvuma-Kwekwe Road, Mrs Sithembile Ncube, said the road was critical as they use it to transport produce from the GMB depot in Kwekwe where they also collect farming inputs.

“The road is very important to us and it was high time that it got this attention it is getting from the Second Republic. We have been facing several challenges with breakdowns induced by potholes. We can now travel at ease,” she said.

Mr John Muchenje whose farm is located at about 70km peg from Kwekwe, commended the Government for pushing the infrastructure development programme for the benefit of citizens.

“This road is a utility infrastructure as there is a lot of economic activity in the Midlands province and the country at large. I have a farm over there and I am happy that I can now take my produce to the market at ease,” he said.

“I am happy that the road is getting the necessary attention as it is a key infrastructure in our midst. We used to experience a lot of losses through vehicle repairs. We hope this will now be a thing of the past.”