Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba in Matabeleland South
A tour of road rehabilitation projects in Matabeleland South, assessing progress on key routes ahead of the 46th Independence Day celebrations scheduled for April 18 at Maphisa Open Grounds, is currently underway.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, is leading the ministerial tour and is accompanied by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development chairperson Cde Tawanda Karikoga, legislators and senior Government officials.
The delegation will also be joined by the Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe.
The inspection tour covers Bulawayo–Kezi–Maphisa Road, Maphisa–Gwanda Road, and the Gwanda–Bulawayo Road.
Construction on the Gwanda–Maphisa and Bulawayo–Kezi–Maphisa roads is gaining momentum, with detours already constructed to facilitate works while maintaining traffic flow.
The roads are also being surfaced as part of legacy projects in Matabeleland South, which is hosting this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
Matabeleland South provincial roads engineer, Mangisi Nkomo, confirmed that four contractors are working on the Gwanda–Maphisa Road, while seven are deployed on the Bulawayo–Kezi–Maphisa Road.
Addressing journalists this Thursday, Minister Mhona said: “I am so happy that we are together with my good friends from the Fourth Estate who are doing their oversight role and reporting to the people of Zimbabwe and beyond and I am happy that they are witnessing the work ethic of the Second Republic.
“We were supposed to have been in offices, but we are here on the ground, which shows that as the Second Republic, we are here to deliver for the betterment of the people.
“And I am happy that by bringing together diverse media houses, the reporting system thereafter will be balanced.
“By the time we get to Maphisa, I am sure what we are trying to do is to make sure that we are not only showcasing this for an event, but it is rebuilding our nation, that’s the agenda of the trip.”
He said they were not touring the projects because of the forthcoming Independence celebrations, but because the Government does not want the people in Matabeleland South to remain marginalised.
“The mantra of His Excellency says no one and no place should be left behind, meaning that we are doing this for the betterment of the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Why we decided to come here is to make sure that we also familiarise ourselves with the infrastructure rehabilitation programme that we are partaking as a ministry and I am happy that you will see we have got other activities within the province,” he said.
Minister Mhona said it’s now 24/7 for the contractors and they must be accountable for whatever they are doing.
The Gwanda–Maphisa Road connects several districts and links economic centres, including ARDA Antelope, Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts and tourist attractions in Matobo.
Upon completion, the road is expected to reduce travel times between Gwanda and surrounding districts, improving access to services and unlocking opportunities in mining, agriculture and tourism.
