Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma recently in Dombodema
FOR as long as he can remember, Mr Innocent Ndlovu (43) of Village 28 in Dombolefu Ward, Bulilima District, associated tarred roads with faraway places.
Growing up, the only time he saw smooth blacktop on the road was when he had illegally crossed into Botswana or travelled to Plumtree Town. In his own community, dusty gravel paths and muddy tracks during the rainy season were the norm.
Today, that story is changing. Construction is underway on Bulilima District’s 10km stretch from Plumtree Town to just beyond Tsambani Business Centre at Makwa River along the Plumtree–Dombodema Road.
The road will also link to the Maitengwe Border Post, opening a vital trade and travel corridor between Zimbabwe and Botswana.
“This is history in the making. We’ve been struggling with dusty roads for decades. During the rains, movement was almost impossible,” said Mr Ndlovu, his face lighting up as he watched graders and rollers hard at work.
“This new road is a game changer, ensuring easier travel, safer journeys and even opportunities for our children to go to school in town. I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime.”
For transport operators, the project comes as a relief. A transport operator who only preferred to be identified as Mdawini, who runs a commuter service on the Plumtree–Madlambudzi route, described the current gravel road as a “nightmare.”
“The dust eats into our cars and repairs are endless. Passengers complain when we’re delayed because of the poor road. With a tarred road, business will flow, vehicles will last longer and our customers will finally enjoy smoother rides,” he said.
Another motorist, Ms Sandisiwe Nleya, echoed the sentiment, saying the project was long overdue.
“Since Independence, we’ve been waiting for this kind of development. It feels good to see our Government investing in us. Driving will no longer be a burden but a pleasure,” she said.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, the Minister, Felix Mhona is expected to tour the site in early October to assess progress.
Bulilima Member of Parliament Cde Dingumuzi Phuti hailed the road as proof of Government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“When the President says ‘no one and no place will be left behind,’ this is what he means. This road is more than tar. It’s an opportunity, dignity and transformation for our people. A road is an economy,” he said.
“By opening up Bulilima, we are connecting our communities to markets, schools and healthcare and bringing Vision 2030 closer.”
Cde Phuti, who is also the Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, said the construction of the road will improve the livelihoods of the people of Bulilima.
“This is a dream and we only pray that these stretches of 10 kilometres be maintained annually, such that in the next five to eight years, the road should have gone up to Maitengwe Border Post connecting civilisation and likening it to that, which we witness across the border in Botswana,” said Cde Phuti.
—@mthabisi_mthire
