Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE Second Republic’s efforts to upgrade the road network in the Midlands Province are gaining momentum, and motorists are taking notice.
A significant milestone has been achieved on the Kwekwe-Gokwe Road, where a 40-kilometre stretch has been rehabilitated and is now open to traffic while roadworks in Nembudziya in Gokwe North District are progressing well, aligning with the Government’s Vision 2030.
For years, this vital road had been in disrepair, causing frustration and delays for motorists and businesses alike.
The improved road will not only ease travel but also stimulate economic activity in the region by enhancing connectivity between Gokwe-Nembudziya and the provincial cities of Kwekwe and Gweru.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, recently assessed progress in the rehabilitation of the roads in Gokwe where he said he was satisfied with the roads rehabilitation programme taking place.
“The ongoing works resonate with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. The ongoing road rehabilitation programmes by the Second Republic are part of broader efforts to improve connectivity and ensure the country’s roads are trafficable. No one and no place will be left behind in terms of development,” he said.
Minister Mhona said the rehabilitation will also be taken to Gokwe Centre in Gokwe South District.
“We have many roads, which are now above the tendering stage. The President is championing development. On top of our dashboard, we had rural constituencies. We are standing on top of an asphalt overlay, which we are showcasing to prove that the Second Republic can deliver,” he said.
“We are here to monitor the work. We need to connect to other cities,” he noted.
Midlands provincial roads engineer, Stephen Kamutema, also said several roads in the Midlands province will be rehabilitated under the ongoing road rehabilitation works.
“The rehabilitated and opened 40-kilometre section of the Kwekwe-Gokwe Road is a vital link and the shortest for the province, as it connects Gokwe North and Gokwe South with the provincial capital, Gweru, a critical route for goods and services,” he said. “This is an ongoing project. Kwekwe–Gokwe is 140 kilometres. The second phase is to link Zhombe and then rehabilitate the Gokwe-Siabuwa Road.” As the Government continues to invest in infrastructure, residents and businesses are optimistic about the positive impact on the local economy.
Mr Marvellous Nyaningwe, a motorist, said the road works were exciting as they will result is smooth travelling for goods and passengers.
“We have never seen anything like this before in this area,” said a grateful Mr Nyaningwe.
“We want to thank the authorities for finally recognising Gokwe’s needs. The improved roads have brought down transport fares, and it’s a huge relief that we can now travel safely and efficiently.”
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development, Cde Tawanda Karikoga, said the Gokwe community has indeed been transformed through the ongoing rehabilitation works.
