Ngungumbane- Mataga Road finally gets facelift

THE Ngungumbane-Mataga Road in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province is finally getting the long awaited facelift, bringing relief to villagers, farmers and transport operators who have struggled for years to access essential services.

Under the Government’s Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), more than 10 km of the 30 km stretch have already been resurfaced, transforming travel in the area.

In 2021 the Government declared all roads in the country a State of Disaster and since then it has been spending a lot of resources on rehabilitating roads in both urban and rural areas.

For the people of Mberengwa, the rehabilitation of Ngungumbane-Mataga Road is more than just fresh tarmac on an old road, it is a new lease of life.

“So far, we have seen the Government resurfacing 10km of the 30-kilometre Ngungumbane-Mataga Road and work is progressing well. We are very happy and grateful to the Government for responding positively to our request. We are now witnessing the roads being fixed,” said Mrs Mejury Shoko, a villager from Ngungumbane.

Transport operators have also felt the impact.

“I used to fix my commuter omnibus’ suspension after every trip because of the poor state of the road. The rehabilitation of the road is therefore a huge relief to transport operators,” said Mr Tinashe Shumba.

During an assessment tour, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, highlighted how road rehabilitation fits into the Second Republic’s rural development strategy.

“We have many schemes here in Mberengwa and farmers have been crippled by transport challenges due to poor roads. The new dispensation has shown that it is committed to improving the welfare of its citizens through the road rehabilitation programme,” he said.

Minister Ncube said the Ngungumbane-Mataga Road road links communities to schools, clinics, markets and irrigation schemes.

He said the road’s rehabilitation directly supports Vision 2030, which aims to make Zimbabwe an upper middle income economy through infrastructure led growth.

The Ngungumbane–Mataga Road is just one of several major roads upgrades breathing new life into the Midlands Province. Recently, Minister Ncube also toured the upgraded Kwekwe–Gokwe Highway, which passes through Zhombe.

“This road is a vital transportation artery that will significantly boost connectivity and unlock economic growth by easing the movement of goods and people. It also improves access to essential services like healthcare and education,” said Minister Ncube.

He said by investing in critical infrastructure like roads, the Government is creating opportunities for economic growth, social development, and improved livelihoods for communities in Midlands Province and beyond.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development announced the completion of a 40km asphalt overlay on the Kwekwe–Gokwe Road, which now awaits road markings.

“The completion of the 40 km asphalt overlay on the Kwekwe- Gokwe Road marks a significant milestone in our efforts to improve the country’s road infrastructure. Our teams are now finalising road markings to ensure clear traffic guidance and improved visibility,” the ministry stated on its official X page.