Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THERE is a renewed sense of pride in the community living around Siakobvu Growth Point in Nyaminyami Rural District following the completion of the centre’s first-ever tarred roads.
For decades, the remote and marginalised settlement, located about 415 kilometres west of Harare, has been synonymous with poor road infrastructure.
Accessing Siakobvu requires navigating a rough 140km stretch of dust and gravel, a journey that often discourages visitors, service providers and investors.
Nyaminyami Rural District Council has completed tarring a one-kilometre stretch within the Growth Point, a milestone funded through a US$260 000 allocation from the Zimbabwe National Roads Authority (ZINARA) under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP2).
For many locals, the road is the first visible sign of long-awaited development. Residents interviewed said the new road network gives Siakobvu “a new face,” restoring dignity and hope.
“For years, we felt forgotten, but this tarred road has restored our dignity. It shows that Siakobvu matters, and that development can finally reach even the most remote places,” said Ms Beatrice Siahundu, a villager.
Traditional leaders have also welcomed the improvement, describing it as a turning point for the district.
The youth, who constitute the largest part of the district’s population, also expressed optimism.
“Growing up, we only knew dust roads. Seeing tar in Siakobvu gives us hope that our future will be different from our past,” said a local youth.
“This road is more than just tar; it is a symbol of inclusion. For the first time, our people can travel with ease and feel connected to the rest of the country,” said Chief Negande.
The road works come as Siakobvu prepares for the commissioning of a sizeable government complex, now over 90 percent complete, which is expected to consolidate all district departments under one roof.
Officials say the project directly aligns with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
Nyaminyami RDC acting chief executive officer, Mr Peter Chinodakufa, said the council is already planning further efforts to modernise the growth point.
He mentioned that another kilometre of road will be tarred next year as part of long-term plans to improve infrastructure and service delivery.
Council chairman, Cllr Fastino Mawadze, said the improved road network will complement the new government complex and stimulate economic activity.
“The transformation we are witnessing today marks the beginning of a new Siakobvu. Tarred roads will open doors for investment, improve service delivery, and uplift our entire community,” he said.
Once completed, the modern government complex will drastically reduce travel time for villagers who previously journeyed long distances to access basic services.
To accommodate the anticipated influx of Government workers, council has also allocated more than 300 residential stands, supported by a fully tarred internal road network.
With tarred roads now in place and major infrastructure nearing completion, Siakobvu, is stepping into a new chapter of growth, connectivity, and opportunity.
