Shurugwi Road reconstruction to boost economic growth

WORK on the US$41 million reconstruction of the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road in the Midlands Province has commenced, igniting excitement among locals and the motoring public.

Road Trackers Construction, a company that was contracted by the Government, has since opened detours and started tarring the road in some sections. Under the project, the Government is widening and constructing the 43km road, which connects Beitbridge Border Post to major towns and cities in the Midlands province, which include Gweru, Kwekwe, Chegutu, Kadoma, Chinhoyi, Karoi and Chirundu Border Post.

The project, which is expected to be completed within 12 months, will enhance trade and promote economic growth in the province.

Locals have commended the Government for implementing the project, saying it is a vital initiative as it has created employment opportunities and stimulated trade and investment in the province.

A Chronicle news crew yesterday observed graders and tippers among other earthmoving equipment at the site where construction works were being carried out.

The scope of the project includes the construction, upgrading and widening of the road. In interviews yesterday, locals lauded the Government for implementing the project.

“We are happy that the project has started and as you have seen, the contractor has since created detours in some sections of the road to pave the way for the work. We are also happy that the project has generated employment for the locals,” said Mrs Prisca Chikwe from Siliwe Village.

Chief Banga said some transport operators were now shunning the road because of its bad state resulting in transport challenges.

“This is a positive development, which is a huge relief for us as locals, especially businesses as they were now feeling the pinch due to the transport challenges after some public transport operators had pulled out of the route citing the poor state of the road,” he said.

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube said the road will help accelerate the growth of the provincial gross domestic product and provide a cost-effective route for corporates and mining giants to international markets.

Under the Infrastructure, Utilities and Digital Economy cluster, Zimbabwe’s economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy (NDS 1) prioritises the completion of road rehabilitation projects.

The main aspirations of NDS1 include infrastructural development as a key enabler in attaining Vision 2030 of having an upper middle-income economy.

Minister Ncube said the road will create the shortest and most cost-effective lifeline route for corporates and mining giants to international markets through South Africa and Mozambique.

“The road enhances people-to-people interaction, unity and social cohesion as it provides the shortest route to sister provinces of Masvingo, Manicaland and Matabeleland South.

In line with the devolution and decentralisation agenda, Shurugwi District stands to benefit from the employment of locals and related contracts,” he said.