Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S ambitious road rehabilitation programme has gained momentum with the signing of a major concession agreement for the Harare-Nyamapanda corridor last week and the substantial progress being recorded across multiple highway projects nationwide.
This has positioned the country to achieve its Vision 2030 economic transformation goals.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development last week signed a concession agreement with an investor, Henna Concessions, for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Harare-Nyamapanda road and upgrading of the Nyamapanda Border Post.
The development marks a pivotal development in the national road rehabilitation programme spearheaded under President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which aims to turn Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy.
The Harare-Nyamapanda highway serves as the major trade corridor between Zimbabwe and its northeastern neighbours, Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania, making its rehabilitation critical for economic growth and regional integration. The project will include dualisation of some sections within Harare, construction of a state-of-the-art toll plaza and the concurrent upgrading of the Nyamapanda Border Post.
Construction will commence at the intersection of ED Mnangagwa Road and Samora Machel Avenue, extending to the border post.
The Government will also develop a Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) depot at the upgraded border post to address service gaps that previously required locals to travel to Murewa business centre for VID services.
The Harare-Nyamapanda road project is part of a broader infrastructure transformation across Zimbabwe’s major highways.
Several critical projects are already showing substantial progress.
Harare-Beitbridge corridor
Construction of the Manyame River Bridge, a key component of the Harare-Beitbridge road upgrading project, is on schedule for completion in October. The strategic bridge will enhance the flow of traffic along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest commercial routes.
In Masvingo, construction continues on the Mucheke River Bridge (Chevron Bridge) as part of the comprehensive Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge road upgrade project.
Western region development
The Government has completed construction of a 40km stretch along the Kwekwe-Gokwe road.
“We are pleased to announce the completion of 40km of asphalt overlay on the Kwekwe-Gokwe road, a key upgrade enhancing durability and safety for all road users,” said the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
“Our teams are now finalising road markings to ensure clear traffic guidance and improved visibility. This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure that supports smoother, safer travel.”
In the eastern region, construction is progressing well on St Guthrie Road, which will serve as a link between the Mutare-Masvingo road and the Mutare-Vumba road.
Meanwhile, the Harare-Chirundu road rehabilitation and upgrading project has commenced in the Makuti area.
The road will bolster Zimbabwe’s connection to Zambia and broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) markets.
“Construction is underway on the Harare-Chirundu road rehabilitation and upgrading project in the section of Makuti area,” said the ministry.
“This critical infrastructure initiative will enhance road safety, improve traffic flow and strengthen connectivity along this key transport corridor. The upgrades reflect our ongoing commitment to modernising Zimbabwe’s road network, supporting economic growth and ensuring reliable travel for motorists and businesses alike.”
On the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway project, the authorities have mobilised five reputable contractors — Fossil Contracting, Masimba Contracting, Syvern Investments, Bitumen Resources and Tensor Systems — with completion targeted in 10 months.
Progress reports show significant ground clearing across different sections, with contractors having moved to their respective sites.
On the Harare-Chirundu road, construction is underway, while in Ngundu, there is the construction of a new 16km four-lane road.
“Construction is also progressing well on the Ngundu escarpment section, where 16km of a new four-lane divided highway is under development,” said the ministry.
“This upgrade includes two dedicated north-bound lanes and two dedicated south-bound lanes to enhance safety and traffic flow.
“This critical infrastructure project will improve regional connectivity, support economic growth and facilitate smoother transit for passengers and freight.”
In Bulawayo, construction is underway on the Cecil Avenue Road rehabilitation project, while detour construction is also in progress along the Gwanda-Maphisa road in Matabeleland South province. Motorists have since been advised to follow clearly marked detour routes during this period.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter