Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Online Reporter
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona, together with Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo, are set to meet the five contractors for the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls rehabilitation project on site.
The two ministers will meet the contractors on Sunday to have an appreciation of the scope of work that is expected for the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road.
Traffic has now been diverted to designated detours to allow for essential works.
This marks a significant step in revamping one of Zimbabwe’s key national and regional highways.
Motorists have been urged to strictly observe all posted signage, reduce speed within construction zones and follow detour routes for their safety and that of construction workers.
The ministry warned that non-compliance with road closure signs was dangerous and illegal.
So far, detours have been constructed or are under construction in areas such as Bernice, Cross Jotsholo and Insuza.
Fossil Contracting is responsible for Lot 1 and has completed four kilometres of bush clearing near the 48,6-kilometre peg to prepare for detour construction.
For Lot 2, Masimba Construction has cleared five kilometres of bush between the 85-kilometre and 90-kilometre pegs to make way for its assigned detour routes.
Syvern Investment, which was awarded Lot 3, has also cleared five kilometres of vegetation between the 99.6-kilometre and 104-kilometre markers, where the first phase of construction is set to begin.
Bitumen Resources, handling Lot 4, has completed 4,2 kilometres of bush clearing, working from Chainage 201.6 kilometres and extending back towards the 191-kilometre point.
For Lot 5, Tensor Systems has begun bush clearing for five kilometres, starting at the 201.6-kilometre peg and moving towards the 211.6-kilometre mark.
The rehabilitation is expected to take approximately 10 months and will be executed in phases using a coordinated kilometre-by-kilometre approach.
Once complete, it is anticipated to greatly enhance tourism, regional trade and economic activity, particularly in Matabeleland North Province.
The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road is a vital transport corridor linking Zimbabwe to regional neighbours such as Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.
It supports both the movement of goods and thousands of local and international tourists heading to the iconic Victoria Falls.
