Story by John Nhandara
WORKS on the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Kezi Maphisa Road are progressing well, with the vital artery that connects Bulawayo to districts such as Matobo, Kezi, Maphisa and Matabeleland South provincial capital Gwanda, set to be modernised.
Government is expediting the rehabilitation of the road after assigning nine contractors to work on different sections of the road.
The project is aimed at improving mobility, road safety, and connectivity along the route.
Local residents expressed satisfaction with the developments.
“We are pleased with this development matrix we are witnessing in our Matabeleland South region,” said one resident.
“The rehabilitation of the road is testimony to the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. We are happy that our roads are now trafficable,” added another.
A ministerial delegation, which recently assessed the progress, highlighted the pace and execution of the works.
“We are witnessing the work ethic of the Second Republic and it shows we are here to deliver for the betterment of the people. We are building our nation. The mantra of His Excellency says no one will be left behind,” Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona said.
“We are confident that they will be able to rehabilitate the roads so that they are passable based on the reports that we received from the engineers,” the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe said.
Provincial officials also praised the work, describing the project as part of a broader development agenda in Matabeleland South.
“We, as Matabeleland South, are happy that we have seen a lot of development, including this road from Bulawayo up to Kezi. The people of this area are happy with what the Second Republic is doing,” Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe added.
According to Matabeleland South Provincial Roads Engineer, Mangisi Nkomo, the scope of works includes reconstruction and asphalt overlay.
“We have nine contractors that include Masimba, JRG, and Asphalt Construction Company. On this section, we are doing an asphalt overlay, which is a reseal. On another section from Maphisa, we are doing road construction,” he explained.
The project is being closely monitored to ensure completion ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa District, which underscores the strategic importance of the road for regional connectivity and economic activity.
