Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Mat South Bureau
THE Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has called for strong stakeholder participation in constructing modern infrastructure that drives the province towards the vision of an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
In a speech read on his behalf by the provincial director for economic development, Mr Richmond Ncube, during the commissioning of the Gwanda Travel Centre on Thursday, Minister Nguluvhe said investment in modern transport infrastructure will help transform Gwanda into a more connected, efficient and environmentally conscious town that supports mobility, economic activity and community well-being.
He said the milestone project aligns fully with national priorities under the National Development Strategy, which emphasises infrastructure development, economic competitiveness and improved service delivery.
The Gwanda Travel Centre —established by Mapinda Investments in partnership with Gwanda Municipality — has been upgraded into a state-of-the-art facility under a public-private partnership initiative aimed at improving the town’s image. The centre now houses offices, shops and vending stalls, while solar lighting and paving have also been installed.
It serves public service vehicles operating on the Gwanda-Bulawayo route, cross-border transporters and other local routes.
“The Gwanda Travel Centre, our new, state-of-the-art transportation hub, is a project that reflects not only our collective vision but also our collective commitment to progress, sustainable development and inclusive growth,” said Nguluvhe.
“This Travel Centre is a testament to what can be achieved when we unite under a shared purpose. With such initiatives, Vision 2030 of an upper-middle-class economy is possible.
“This project is more than just a physical structure; it represents our response to the global call for sustainability and innovation. It directly speaks to the Sustainable Development Goal on Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), which urges nations to create inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable human settlements.”
Minister Nguluvhe said a modern transportation hub such as the Gwanda Travel Centre would not only improve mobility but also stimulate commerce, attract investment and reshape the socio-economic landscape of Gwanda.
He said the project demonstrates what Government, local authorities and private investors can achieve when they collaborate with transparency, mutual trust and a shared vision for community upliftment through public-private partnerships.
The minister encouraged stakeholders with transformative, bankable ideas to approach local authorities.
Speaking on behalf of Mapinda Investments, Ms Bridget Dube said the company’s investment in the modern travel centre was part of efforts to give back to the community. She said the company’s owner, Mr Cabangani Sibanda, wanted to address gaps in transport infrastructure.
In its efforts to restore order in the city centre, Gwanda Municipality has embarked on a drive to secure investors for the development of bus termini, ranks and vending markets. A newly upgraded vendor market accommodating about 350 vendors was recently opened.
Gwanda Mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, said these developments are part of the town’s commitment to improve service delivery in line with President Mnangagwa’s “Call to Action” for uncompromised service delivery.
“In order to maintain order in the CBD there is need to provide operators with proper working space. We realised that we can’t be expecting the transport operators and vendors to maintain standard operations if they don’t have proper working space and that’s why we decided to engage development partners to help us achieve this target.
“These projects are in line with modernisation and infrastructure development in the town. This is part of our response to the Call to Action by His Excellency President Mnangagwa,” said Ald Moyo.
He said there will now be a standardised and co-ordinated operating framework at the bus terminus, with only registered vehicles allowed to rank at a fee. Previously, public service vehicles operated with minimal control at the dilapidated terminus.
He added that upgrading infrastructure is key to attracting investment.
“We are a mining town and we are also situated along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway, which means there is a lot of traffic passing through the town. It’s important for the town to be presentable as we are also a reference point for the country,” said Ald Moyo.
