Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
CONSTRUCTION and upgrading of the 120-kilometre Bulawayo-Old Gwanda Road by Zwane Enterprises under the US$110 million Public-Private-Partnership investment is expected to commence at the end of this month amid revelations that the private investor will soon be granted the signed contract from the Government.
This comes after Cabinet considered and approved the proposed Public-Private-Partnership between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and Zwane Enterprises (Private) Limited for the upgrading, construction and tolling of the Old Gwanda Road in May this year.
In an interview with Sunday News, Zwane Enterprises chief executive officer Engineer Bekithemba Mbambo confirmed their readiness to commence the construction by the end of this month.
“We are ready to commence the construction works which we expect to start by the end of August. We have been waiting for the signed contract from the Government which will give us the green light to move in with our equipment. Indications are, however, that we might be getting it anytime soon,” said Eng Mbambo.
While Sunday News could not get an official comment from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development over the signed contract, sources privy to the developments said the Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabhiza submitted the contract to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development on Thursday.
Eng Mbambo said as part of the first component of the project, they would drill boreholes that would be used to facilitate the construction work.
“We are going to start by drilling about 12 boreholes along the way. They will provide water for the construction work. The boreholes will be about 10 kilometres apart and will be handed over to the communities after the project,” said Eng Mbambo.
The construction of the highway will also see 43 homesteads being relocated and benefiting four-roomed houses, a kitchen hut and ablution facilities. In the past few months, the investor has been conducting feasibility studies.
The visionary initiative and effort has been described as a groundbreaking endeavour that will unlock the potential of the Old Gwanda Road corridor and drive economic growth in the region.
The road traverses through a rich landscape of cultural heritage and historical sites and its refurbishment and upgrading is set to provide the region with valuable business opportunities.
The construction of the road will also bring with it enhanced connectivity and accessibility; increased trade and commerce; a boost to tourism and hospitality; creation of jobs and stimulation of local economies; and improved quality of life for surrounding communities.
Furthermore, the huge investment in infrastructure development for the country has the potential to increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) significantly, and also improve the national economic development and livelihoods of people in line with the Government’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The Government recently revealed plans to engage the private sector in the construction of major roads in the country under the Built-Operate and Transfer model. @nyeve14
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