Story by John Nhandara
THE Gwanda-Maphisa road construction project is progressing steadily under the Government’s Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), signalling renewed momentum in efforts to enhance connectivity and economic activity in Matabeleland South Province.
The major road, which links Gwanda, the provincial capital, with Matobo District, is among the key infrastructure priorities under the Second Republic’s development agenda. The project is expected to improve travel efficiency, ease the movement of goods and services, and promote socio-economic growth in surrounding communities.
For many local travellers, the project offers relief from years of costly and time-consuming detours.
“We will have alternative shorter routes to Maphisa rather than going through Bulawayo,” a motorist said.
“This road will make it easier for us to transport our farming produce. There will also be a reduction in terms of transport cost,” a commuter added.
Matabeleland South Provincial Roads Engineer, Engineer Mangisi Nkomo, said current works include construction of a 10-kilometre section and the resealing of a five-kilometre section of the road.
“On the new construction, we are doing three bases. This is one of the most important roads that connect the Matobo district and Gwanda district, which is the provincial capital.”
The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time and create a more efficient link between Gwanda and the surrounding districts, which include Matobo.
“This is important because ultimately, we want to connect all communities in Zimbabwe. There is an outcry to the west where Mpoeng Border Post is not connected to Maphisa, so ultimately, the scope of works will be from Gwanda to Maphisa, continuing to Mpoengs Border Post. This will reduce travel time. The road creates economic activity,” the Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Joshua Sacco noted.
“At the moment, if you want to go to Maphisa, you go via Bulawayo, so if this road is completed, it means you can connect from Beitbridge to Maphisa. The road also leads us to Mpoengs Border,” Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe added.
The rehabilitation of the road comes at a time when the country is set to host its Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa district next year.
