Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
The Government has officially handed over an 11-kilometre stretch of the Marondera–Hwedza Road in the Mushandirapamwe area to a contractor, heralding the beginning of work on the project, which is part of an intensified nationwide road rehabilitation programme.
The latest development targets a critical bottleneck along the key agricultural corridor, linking farmers in Mashonaland East Province to markets in Marondera, Chitungwiza, Harare, and beyond.
In a recent statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed the handover.
“Construction of the 11km Mushandirapamwe bottleneck along the Marondera–Hwedza Road has officially been handed over to Masimba Construction. This marks a significant step towards easing congestion and improving the road infrastructure network. We remain committed to delivering modern, efficient road infrastructure that drives economic growth and regional development,” said the ministry.
The works complement ongoing rehabilitation and surfacing of the Marondera–Hwedza Road, a route regarded as vital for agricultural trade in Mashonaland East Province.
Meanwhile, the Government is also proceeding with the construction of the new Dema Toll Plaza along the Chitungwiza–Hwedza highway.
The project forms part of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara)’s modernisation drive aimed at easing congestion, improving tolling efficiency, and enhancing convenience for motorists while generating additional revenue for road development.
The Dema Toll Plaza development will also include upgrades to Seke Road, providing traffic from Marondera with an alternative route to Harare.
Independence Preparations Gather Pace
The Government is also accelerating road rehabilitation works in Matabeleland South Province ahead of the 46th Independence Day celebrations. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Engineer Joy Makumbe last week led a delegation to assess progress on projects in the province, where Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District will host this year’s main commemorations.
“The engagement reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering safe, durable, and reliable road infrastructure in preparation for this important national event—ensuring readiness, connectivity, and excellence, kilometre by kilometre,” said Engineer Makumbe.
The visit focused on ensuring projects remain on schedule, quality standards are upheld, and deadlines strictly observed.
In February, Maphisa Growth Point was elevated to town board status in preparation for hosting the main Uhuru celebrations, which will run under the theme “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
Among the flagship projects in the province is the 65-kilometre Gwanda–Maphisa Road, whose rehabilitation is now at an advanced stage. Initial works began last year on the route, considered critical for regional mobility and trade.
Upon completion, the road is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Gwanda and surrounding districts such as Matobo, while improving access to key economic hubs including the ARDA Antelope Estate, the Makwe Irrigation Scheme, and several major tourist attractions.
The route also provides the shortest access to Maphisa for travellers from Gwanda, Beitbridge, and Masvingo, strengthening intra-district connectivity and creating new opportunities in mining, agriculture, and tourism. Improved road infrastructure is projected to enhance access to healthcare, education, and markets for rural communities, directly linking them to the provincial capital.
The Gwanda–Maphisa Road forms part of a broader infrastructure push in the province, which includes the Plumtree–Maitengwe Road and the Beitbridge–Bulawayo Highway.
