Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road rehab progresses

THE rehabilitation of the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road has significantly advanced, with a 10km stretch recently completed and opened to traffic.

This development aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of inclusive development, complementing the devolution agenda aimed at ensuring no one and no place is left behind.

The 43km highway rehabilitation, part of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), is crucial for the Midlands Province, as it is expected to boost trade and economic growth both within the province and beyond.

The project involves upgrading and widening the road that connects the Beitbridge Border Post with several major towns and cities, including Gweru, Kwekwe, Chegutu, Kadoma, Chinhoyi, Karoi, and the Chirundu Border Post.

Managed by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, the entire project is slated for completion within 12 months.

Transport and Infrastructural Develop-ment Minister Felix Mhona yesterday officially commissioned the first 10km of the road and expressed satisfaction with the progress.

Addressing motorists, members of the public and Government officials gathered at the site, Minister Mhona said the project is part of the Government’s broader goal of achieving an upper-middle-income society by 2030, under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.

“I am very happy with the progress that has been made so far. This shows that through our local firms and contractors, we are on the right track to achieving the envisaged upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030,” he said.

Minister Mhona said the Second Republic under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa is embarking on life-changing projects. He said the Second Republic is on a drive to improve infrastructure across the country.

“Our President is always on record buttressing the point that no one and no place will be left behind in its developmental programmes.

“We are not going to end the works at Msasa just before Shurugwi town, but we are targeting to reach the city of Gweru,” said Minister Mhona.

Shurugwi South legislator Cde Wilson Mhuri highlighted the positive impact of road rehabilitation on local communities, noting increased employment for local youths and a boost in local business.

“We want to thank the Government under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa for availing funds for the construction of this road. The road has opened positive economic spin-offs in this constituency. Our local youths have been employed and more so business in the area is booming,” he said.

Motorists also praised the Government’s efforts, acknowledging the improved travel times. “We are happy that the 10km stretch has been opened to the members of the public.

This shows that the Government is making significant improvements towards achieving the goals of National Development Strategy One,” said Mr Tavonga Rusike.

“We used to spend several hours on the road to get to Masvingo Province from either Chachacha or Shurugwi due to the poor state of the road. We are happy because we are seeing the progress.”