Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba and Rutendo Nyeve,Zimpapers Writers
THE long-awaited rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road began yesterday, with traffic now being diverted to designated detours to allow for essential works.
This marks a significant step in revamping one of Zimbabwe’s key national and regional highways.
The development follows the Government’s recent appointment of five local contractors, who are now on-site and progressing with preliminary works, including the construction of detour routes.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed the commencement of works and attendant temporary traffic arrangements.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development wishes to inform the public that starting Monday, July 14, 2025, traffic along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road will be diverted to designated detours to allow for essential rehabilitation and upgrading works,” reads the statement.
“To facilitate construction, a temporary road closure will be in effect from Bulawayo CBD to Livingstone Bridge, beginning July 14, 2025, until July 31, 2026. The first phase of construction will focus on the section between Chainage 99,6km and 104,6km in the Insuza area.”
Motorists have been urged to strictly observe all posted signage, reduce speed within construction zones and follow detour routes for their safety and that of construction workers.
The ministry warned that non-compliance with road closure signs was dangerous and illegal.
So far, detours have been constructed or are under construction in areas such as Bernice, Cross Jotsholo and Insuza.
According to the ministry, the detours are critical for maintaining safety during construction, improving project efficiency and ensuring the durability of the rehabilitated road.
Work along various sections of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road has already commenced, with each of the five contracted companies assigned to specific portions of the highway.
Fossil Contracting is responsible for Lot 1 and has completed four kilometres of bush clearing near the 48,6-kilometre peg to prepare for detour construction.
For Lot 2, Masimba Construction has cleared five kilometres of bush between the 85-kilometre and 90-kilometre pegs to make way for its assigned detour routes.
Syvern Investment, which was awarded Lot 3, has also cleared five kilometres of vegetation between the 99.6-kilometre and 104-kilometre markers, where the first phase of construction is set to begin.
Bitumen Resources, handling Lot 4, has completed 4,2 kilometres of bush clearing, working from Chainage 201,6 kilometres and extending back towards the 191-kilometre point.
For Lot 5, Tensor Systems has begun bush clearing for five kilometres, starting at the 201,6-kilometre peg and moving towards the 211,6-kilometre mark.
The rehabilitation is expected to take approximately 10 months and will be executed in phases using a co-ordinated kilometre-by-kilometre approach.
Once complete, it is anticipated to greatly enhance tourism, regional trade and economic activity, particularly in Matabeleland North Province.
The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road is a vital transport corridor linking Zimbabwe to regional neighbours such as Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.
It supports both the movement of goods and thousands of local and international tourists heading to the iconic Victoria Falls.
In recent years, however, the road has become riddled with potholes, eroded shoulders and unsafe narrow lanes, prompting widespread calls for urgent repair.
Contacted for comment, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, expressed excitement over the commencement of the project, describing it as a testament to the Government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges in the region.
“This is a significant milestone for Matabeleland North and the entire nation. The rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road has been long overdue, and its commencement shows that the Government is serious about improving our road network,” said Minister Moyo.
He said he would visit the construction sites on Thursday to assess progress and engage with contractors.
“I will be on the ground this week to appreciate the work being done and to ensure that everything is on track.
“Our people have waited patiently, and we want this project completed within the stipulated time frame,” he said.
While the project has been welcomed, motorists and transport operators have called for swift execution to minimise disruptions caused by detours.
Mr John Ndlovu, a cross-border truck driver, said: “This road has been in poor condition for years, so the rehabilitation is welcome. However, we hope the contractors will work efficiently so that we do not spend too much time on detours, which can be costly in terms of time and fuel.”
A Victoria Falls-based bus driver, Mr Abel Mudimba, echoed similar sentiments:
“We rely on this road daily, and while we understand the need for repairs, we urge the authorities to ensure there are no unnecessary delays. The detours should be well-marked to avoid confusion,” he said.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has assured the public that regular updates will be provided as the project progresses.
“We appreciate your co-operation during this critical infrastructure improvement project. Regular updates will be provided as works progress.
“We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to deliver these critical infrastructure improvements for our nation,” reads the statement.
The rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is part of the Government’s broader infrastructure development agenda under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to boost tourism, trade and connectivity in the region.
As construction begins, all road users are reminded to exercise caution and comply with traffic directives for a smooth and safe rehabilitation process.
