Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway is one of the priority projects under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development’s National Development Strategy Two (NDS2) road map.
The road map reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to modernising the country’s transport network, which is key to meeting Vision 2030 goals.
Speaking at the Projects Management Institute (PMI) Zimbabwe 2025 Annual Conference in Victoria Falls yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, represented by the Chief Director of Roads, Engineer David Jana, said Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway was one of the priority projects under the Ministry’s roadmap.
Minister Mhona said the busy highway, which is in a very bad state now, was a very critical road for promotion of tourism growth and regional trade.
He said the upgrade of the road was expected to enhance connectivity, improve road safety and boost economic activity along one of Zimbabwe’s most scenic routes.
Minister Mhona said the NDS2, which will run from 2026 to 2030, is an important blueprint meant to guide national development towards achieving an upper-middle-income society by 2030. He said project management therefore plays a big role in ensuring the set targets are met.
“The value of project management cannot be ignored in this quest as it is a key enabler in the delivery of programmes and projects enunciated under NDS2. It is therefore essential to manage the projects professionally and deliver them within expected scope, schedule and within budget,” he said.
Minister Mhona said the Government’s focus on innovation and sustainability aligns with global trends, ensuring Zimbabwe remains competitive in infrastructure development.
The rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway is a cornerstone of the Ministry’s NDS2 agenda. This project is expected to address long-standing challenges such as deteriorating road conditions and safety concerns.
The upgraded highway will facilitate smoother movement of tourists to Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s premier destinations, while also enhancing trade links with neighbouring countries such as Zambia and Botswana.
“It is expected this project and other projects lined up will employ certified local project managers, support our private sector, connect our communities and improve the quality of life for all citizens.”
The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation is part of a larger strategy to modernise Zimbabwe’s road network, which includes other key projects such as Harare-Beitbridge Highway rehabilitation and upgrade (nearing completion), Harare-Kanyemba Highway upgrade, Harare-Chirundu Highway rehabilitation and upgrade, Lion’s Den to Kafue railway link construction and Ponto-Techobanine railway project (upgrading the line linking Zimbabwe to Mozambique and Botswana)
Minister Mhona reflected on milestones achieved under NDS1, including the completion of the Trabablas Interchange (formerly Mbudzi roundabout), which has significantly improved traffic flow in Harare.
He praised local project managers for their role in delivering these projects.
“The Trabablas Interchange is but one shining example within a broader tapestry of transport infrastructure projects that have been delivered par excellence,” he said.
Other notable achievements under NDS1 include the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport expansion, the Beitbridge Border Post modernisation and the New Parliament Boulevard road upgrade.
Minister Mhona stressed the need for sustainable and innovative approaches in infrastructure development, urging project managers to adopt green designs and cutting-edge technologies.
“This conference must stimulate our imagination and push us to adopt innovation and technology to better develop and deliver sustainable infrastructure through competent project management at the same time promoting green designs,” he said.
He called on project managers to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency, emphasising that they have a big role to play in national development.
“The culture of accountability, transparency and excellence when executing our projects should be nurtured with a greater sense of urgency for the ultimate objective of achieving transformational results at the same time ensuring value for money. You as project managers must lead by example,” he said.
PMI Zimbabwe Chapter President Mr Anesu Vere, expressed their excitement over Government projects that have been delivered so far saying these have elevated local projects managers to be, among the best in Africa.
“We are touted to be the best in terms of certification and we also lead in terms of construction professionals. Most of the projects we are involved in are being implemented by Government and we are the leading country in terms of certifications and employment creation. The project management professionals are actually increasing because the Government has realised that for it to achieve its objectives, it needs technically skilled and technically capable personnel to actually run the projects,” said Mr Vere.
He said the PMI already had a partnership with the Zimbabwe Building Construction Association because it wants projects implemented under NDS2 to meet the set standards, completed on time and within budget.
The three day conference has brought together project managers from across the country.
Londile Moyo