malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
PHASE TWO of the road improvement project for the North-South Corridor, between Makuti and Hell’s Gate (Mana Pools turn-off), is set to begin with Japan providing finances to the tune of US$17,44 million (2,389 million Japanese yen).
On Friday, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube signed the grant agreement documents together with the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe Mr Shinichi Yamanaka, and Mr Shigeki Furuta, the chief representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Zimbabwe.
In a joint statement, Government and the Japanese Embassy said:
“The North-South Corridor is a vital international trunk road, essential for Zimbabwe’s trade with neighbouring countries and regional trade, and is forecasted by the African Union to become one of the continent’s busiest transport corridors by 2040.
“With the increased promotion of regional economic integration through SADC and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), it has become even more imperative to facilitate trade with neighbouring countries.”
The statement said the project will be supervised by JICA engineers and implemented by road-working teams from the Department of Roads in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
Phase 2 will improve the remaining 7,8 km section between Makuti and Marongora.
The scope of the project will include the widening of curves, improvement of the vertical and horizontal alignment, and construction of hill-climbing lanes.
Other works will involve the construction of drainage and safety facilities such as crash barriers and road signs.
Bongani Ndlovu