Story by Providence Maraneli
THE Government has expressed satisfaction with progress on the Gwanda-Maphisa Road project and has pledged to facilitate the timely release of funds to ensure the road is completed ahead of this year’s Independence Day Celebrations.
Works at one of the Independence Celebrations Legacy projects in Matabeleland South province are progressing well, with government having contracted six service providers to expedite the construction of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road.
So far, the 1.2 kilometre Kononkwe stretch has been completed.
“We have about six contractors that are sharing the 66km Gwanda-Maphisa road with some starting from Maphisa while others are starting in the middle and works are at various stages,” Provincial Roads Engineer Mangisi Nkomo said.
The completion of the 66km Gwanda-Maphisa Road will be a constant reminder to the people of Matabeleland South Province on the equitable infrastructure development trajectory being undertaken by the Second Republic.
“This road is crucial for Matabeleland South’s economic development. We are happy that works are ongoing,” the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe noted.
The Special Advisor to the President responsible for Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, Dr Joram Gumbo, who was on an assessment tour of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road this Wednesday was impressed by the work that has been done so far, promising timeous release of funds for the completion of other parts.
“This is part of the independence legacy projects and for a long time, no work had been done on this road, so when we see this, we are happy. We are going to push treasury to expedite the release of funds so that by year end this project is complete and we are convinced by the number of contractors that this road is going to be completed by year end,” he said.
As part of the Independence Celebrations Legacy Projects, government is constructing the Gwanda-Maphisa Road, Bulawayo-Kezi highway, Joshua Mqhabuko Nkomo Vocational Training Centre, Filabusi registry, 40 Village Business Units across Matobo district and 40 science and computer laboratories across Matabeleland South province.
