Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Nyamandlovu
THE historic ground-breaking ceremony for the Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative (TRRI) has been hailed as a demonstration of what can be achieved when Government, communities, local authorities and the private sector unite around a common development goal.
Officially launching the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho road rehabilitation initiative in Nyamandlovu yesterday, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Richard Moyo, said the project was a clear demonstration that national development was a collective responsibility.
The initiative was started by the Tsholotsho community, led by Botswana-based businessman Mr Cephas Tshuma, with contributions from the community, businesspeople, the diaspora, transport operators and other stakeholders towards the rehabilitation of the badly damaged road.
“This initiative strongly supports President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy that ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. This initiative clearly illustrates that national development is everyone’s responsibility,” said Minister Moyo.
He said Government creates an enabling environment, institutions provide technical and financial support, local authorities mobilise resources, and communities become active participants in shaping their own future.
Minister Moyo said the Second Republic had placed infrastructure development at the centre of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda, describing modern infrastructure as the foundation for inclusive growth, industrialisation and prosperity.
“Our roads are not merely strips of tar or gravel linking one point to another. They facilitate tourism, attract investment, reduce transport costs and improve the efficiency of public service delivery.
“This initiative, therefore, contributes directly to the realisation of Vision 2030, whose objective is to transform Zimbabwe into an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income economy,” he said.
Minister Moyo saluted Permanent Secretary in his office Ms Sithandiwe Ncube, traditional leaders, the Tsholotsho and Nyamandlovu communities, TRRI leadership, members of the diaspora, transport associations, businesspeople and various Government departments for supporting the initiative from its inception.
“No contribution is small, every contribution is meaningful. This is precisely the spirit that underpins the Government’s devolution and decentralisation agenda, empowering communities to identify their priorities and actively participate in development, equally demonstrating the level of effective coordinated planning and resource sharing within Government structures,” he said.
Although the ground-breaking ceremony marked the commencement of the community-led phase of the project, Minister Moyo said the Government remained committed to the ultimate upgrading of the road in line with national infrastructure development priorities.
“The works we are launching today should, therefore, be viewed as laying a firm foundation for that future investment. We, therefore, encourage the people of Tsholotsho to continue working hand in hand with Government, safeguarding this investment and maintaining the spirit of unity and shared responsibility that has made this initiative possible,” he said.
Minister Moyo said the success of the initiative would depend not only on the resources mobilised but also on the continued commitment of all stakeholders throughout implementation.
He urged all stakeholders to discharge their responsibilities diligently to ensure that the project achieved its intended objectives.
TRRI chairperson Mr Cephas Tshuma said the rehabilitation works were expected to be completed within two months.
The launch was attended by Zanu-PF Politburo member and Senator Alice Dube, Tsholotsho South legislator and Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Musa Ncube, Senator and Chief Mathuphula, Chief Deli, Chief Gampu, Chief Siphoso and Chief Mahlathini.
Also present were senior provincial Government officials and Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) officials led by board member Ms Monica Ngwenya.
