Story Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
THE rehabilitation of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is set to commence soon after the government sealed a partnership with Bitumen World construction company.
The government has intensified the rehabilitation of major highways to enhance trade, with the rehabilitation of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road set to be undertaken by government in partnership with Bitumen World.
In a post cabinet media briefing in Harare this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said besides the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, other roads are receiving attention.
“Cabinet advises that plans are underway to upgrade, rehabilitate, widen, and dualise certain sections of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road through a Public-Private Partnership with Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd under a Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer contract.
“The rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road will enhance the movement of transit traffic, thereby making this route the most preferred along the North- South Corridor, connecting Zimbabwe to South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. In addition, financial arrangements have been concluded for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of other roads, including Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane Road; Bulawayo-Nkayi Road and Karoi-Binga- Cross Dete Road All these roads will start immediately,” said the Minister.
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona said the partnership will see the construction company going onsite immediately.
“We are talking about close to 750 kilometres of road network and feasibility study was done and it’s going to happen immediately. Bulawayo-Nkayi road, you will see the speed at which these projects will move, which confirms the importance that the government attaches to the projects.”
Cabinet also discussed the participation at Expo Osaka 2025, with the official launch slated for next week.
“Preparations for the Expo are on course, with the construction of Pavilions and the handover of space to countries expected to be completed by the end of September 2024. Internal works will commence in October 2024 and are expected to be completed by January 2025.
“The official launch of Zimbabwe’s Participation at Expo 2025 Osaka will be held on 10 October 2024 and will be presided over by His Excellency the President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House.
“The official launch Programme is expected to intensify awareness and raise private sector funding for Zimbabwe’s preparation for this global event,” said Dr Muswere.
“Osaka 2025 is an important event, it’s an expo lasting seven months with countries showcasing what they produce. In our case, ZimTrade will be leading this mission, and it’s CEO Mr Allan Majuru, is the Commissioner General. They will be coordinating with the private sector that want to showcase their wares and it’s also a marketing of Zimbabwean good and services while marketing ourselves as investment destination,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Frederick Shava said.
Cabinet further deliberated on the food deficit and urban cash disbursements, with 68 thousand tonnes of grain having been moved to various parts of the country, while all chiefs have received five tonnes to assist vulnerable families.
More than 9000 tonnes of mealie-meal have been collected for the school feeding programme.
On the 2024-2025 summer cropping season, Zimbabwe is expected to receive normal to above normal rainfall starting in November.
