Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
MATABELELAND North Province, once synonymous with marginalisation and underdevelopment, is firmly shedding that tag, recording a series of unprecedented socio-economic and infrastructural milestones in 2025 that are reshaping its landscape and future prospects.
The province’s leadership has attributed this turnaround to the focused governance of the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa, whose devolution agenda has catalysed development across the region.
Outlining the province’s remarkable progress in an interview, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Richard Moyo, expressed profound gratitude to the national leadership.
“We want to thank the Second Republic, ably led by President Mnangagwa, who promised that the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway would be prioritised, and as we speak, work has commenced,” said Minister Moyo.
Citing the infrastructural development boom, Minister Moyo said significant progress is visible, with eight contractors on the ground, each having opened initial stretches of 6 to 8km.
“As they resume work in January next year, they have assured us that more ground will be covered, and by May onwards, they will have completed their allocated 51km,” he said.
The transformation, however, extends far beyond this flagship highway. Minister Moyo highlighted a multi-pronged road revolution.
“Work is being done on the Bulawayo–Nkayi Road, while the Lupane–Nkayi–Kwekwe Road also has a contractor on site doing tremendous work under the PPP arrangement,” he said.
Moyo added that plans are advanced for the Bulawayo–Tsholotsho Road, with a contractor expected to be mobilised in the coming year.
The long-awaited Gwayi–Shangani Dam, a cornerstone for water security and irrigation, is also progressing steadily with monthly Treasury disbursements of US$5 million.
“If all goes well, we hope by mid-2026 we should have completed it. The province is happy with infrastructure development underway, including the Lupane Provincial Hospital, where the first phase is now complete,” he said.
The economic heartbeat of the province, Hwange, is witnessing a powerful resurgence. Minister Moyo specifically applauded the Government-led resuscitation of Hwange Colliery Company Holdings.
“The company was on its knees, but the new management appointed by the Government has revived it,” he said.
Moyo noted the critical coke oven battery, now operational, ensuring value addition. With plans for its own power station next year, HCC’s revival is symbolic of a broader industrial awakening.
“There are other companies as well that have invested massively in the province, as directed by the President, focusing on coking coal, cement production and power generation. We now have several Independent Power Producers, which is significant for our national grid,” said the minister.
Agricultural productivity has also received a boost, with timely input distributions leading to successful wheat yields delivered to the GMB, fostering optimism for the summer cropping season.
In the tourism sector, the province’s golden corridor from Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls is gleaming brighter. Refurbishment of accommodation in Hwange and the near-complete One Stop Pavilion are enhancing the visitor experience.
The recent official opening of a state-of-the-art US$2,5 million helipad in Victoria Falls is set to further boost the high-end tourism market — proof that destination Zimbabwe is among the best.
Minister Moyo encapsulated the provincial mood.
“So, we are happy as a province for achieving these great milestones,” he said.
