Contractor Commences Reconstruction of Mhandamabwe Road

…….Boosting Trade and Employment Opportunities
By Priviledge Zviregei

The eagerly anticipated reconstruction of the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road in the Midlands province has commenced, bringing joy to motorists and residents along the route.

Road Trackers Construction, the company entrusted by the Government to undertake the reconstruction, has already initiated the project by opening detour routes and commencing the tarring of certain sections of the road.

The ambitious project aims to widen and construct the 43-kilometer road, which serves as a vital link between Beitbridge Border Post and prominent towns and cities such as Gweru, Kwekwe, Chegutu, Kadoma, Chinhoyi, Karoi, and Chirundu Border Post. Anticipated to be completed within a year, the endeavor is expected to bolster trade and stimulate economic growth in the region.

Local residents have expressed their appreciation to the Government for implementing the project, acknowledging its significance in creating employment opportunities and fostering trade and investment in the province.

At the construction site, graders, tippers, and various other earthmoving equipment were observed diligently carrying out the necessary groundwork.

“We are delighted that the project has commenced, and as you can see, the contractor has already established detours on certain sections of the road to facilitate the work. Additionally, we are pleased that the undertaking has generated employment for the local community,” remarked Mrs. Prisca Chikwee from Siliwe Village.

Chief Banga pointed out that due to the poor condition of the road, some transport operators had been avoiding it, leading to significant transportation challenges. However, with the initiation of the reconstruction, the chief expressed relief on behalf of locals and businesses that had been adversely affected by the deteriorating road conditions.

This venture aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS1), which places a particular emphasis on infrastructure development as a crucial catalyst in achieving the nation’s long-term goal of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube emphasized that the road would accelerate the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide a cost-effective route for corporations and mining giants to access international markets.

“The road not only enhances economic activities but also promotes social cohesion by providing the shortest route to neighboring provinces such as Masvingo, Manicaland, and Matabeleland South,” Minister Ncube stated.

The reconstruction of the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road represents a significant step forward in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development agenda, fostering regional connectivity and economic prosperity. As the project progresses, motorists and the local community eagerly anticipate the positive transformation it will bring to the region.