Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau
THE rehabilitation of the 40km Kwekwe-Zhombe Road at a cost of ZWG$14 million has brought relief to motorists and travellers, who previously complained over the dilapidated condition of the road and the resultant spate of accidents.
The Government commissioned the rehabilitated Kwekwe-Zhombe Road on Friday following its completion.
The road connects Kwekwe District to Gokwe North and South districts.
The project is part of the many infrastructure development projects being spearheaded by the Second Republic as the country angles to attain an upper-middle income society status by 2030.
The road is among several development projects that were undertaken ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebrations that were held in Gokwe North District.
Speaking during the recent commissioning ceremony at Zororo Shopping Centre in Zhombe, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, said infrastructure development was a top priority for the Second Republic as it drives rural industrialisation efforts.
“Today, we celebrate yet another milestone achievement by the Second Republic under the visionary leadership of , showcased through this landmark occasion of the commissioning of ZWG14 million, 40km Kwekwe-Zhombe resurfaced road,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the project commenced in March this year and was timeously completed within the eight weeks contract period on 15 May.
The project was divided among four local companies, each covering 10km of road works involving a 20-millimetre asphalt overlay, including bus stops, junctions, road markings and signage, in line with the Southern African Transport and Communications Commission Standards.
Minister Ncube said the successful completion of the project represents the tangible results of President Mnangagwa’s visionary leadership as the project was funded by Treasury and executed by local contractors namely — Zada Construction, Douflex Investment, Derivative Resources and Road Trackers.
He said the Midlands Province and the country at large are undergoing massive socio-economic transformation through the Second Republic’s Heritage-Based Modernisation and Industrialisation thrust that provides local solutions to local challenges.
“Following the inception of the Second Republic in November 2017, under the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa, equitable road infrastructure development projects have been witnessed across the country and indeed in the Midlands Province, which include the construction of Harare-Beitbridge Highway, which passes through the Midlands Province and the rehabilitation of Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road, which has positioned the Midlands Province as a major North-South Trade Corridor in the SADC Region, among others,” said Minister Ncube.
Chief Gwesela of Zhombe expressed his gratitude, stating that previously in a state of disrepair, the road had become a serious hazard for motorists and pedestrians.
“We were in a difficult situation due to the state of the road, which had become a major concern. I personally witnessed 16 fatal accidents resulting from its condition. Today, we are greatly relieved,” he said.
“We extend our thanks to the President for his visionary leadership and efforts in addressing this issue.”
Chief Gwesela said the rehabilitation of the road was indeed a welcome development, bringing relief to motorists and travellers while also promising to boost the area’s socio-economic growth.
“By improving connectivity and accessibility, the upgraded road will likely stimulate economic activities, enhance trade, and improve the overall quality of life for local residents,” he said.
Locals have echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude for the time saved, reduced vehicle breakdowns and improved business opportunities.
“We used to spend three hours from Kwekwe to this place. Now it’s a matter of 30 minutes. This means more money in our businesses,” said Mr Alfonso Nduku.
Mrs Rosemary Sibanda said: “We used to have a lot of problems with regard to breakdowns, now that the road is smooth, everything is now a thing of the past.
I want to thank our President for this road. We need more such projects.”
