Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
GOVERNMENT says it has secured the funds and is now pushing full throttle towards rehabilitating the 240 km Lupane Kwekwe Road, a development expected to slash more than 200 km off the Harare to Lupane or Victoria Falls trip.
The long awaited project is also set to bring huge relief to farmers in Nkayi and Lupane, who have for years battled high transport costs when sending produce to markets in Bulawayo or Kwekwe.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona told Parliament during a question and answer session last week that the money is already in place. “That road is very important because it cuts across and it is a shorter route to those who are going to Victoria Falls. We have got a loan facility, which we have managed to get and the money is going to be used for the rehabilitation of that road, which is 240 km,” said Minister Mhona.
He revealed that two construction teams will be deployed, one starting from Lupane and the other from Kwekwe, with an updated road design expected within days. The plan is to fast track work and bring the long forgotten stretch back to life.
Minister Mhona said once the Lupane – Kwekwe Road is completed, Government will immediately shift its focus to the Bulawayo- Nkayi Road. “We have enough resources for the rehabilitation of the road. Be patient until 2026, when most of the work is going to be done from Kwekwe to Lupane,” he said.
Motorists and villagers alike are now keeping fingers crossed as the route promises to completely change travel and business between Matabeleland North and the Midlands.
