Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE ongoing rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is delivering more than improved transport infrastructure; it has created employment opportunities for over 800 workers, with more than 80 % drawn from communities along the highway.
The project, which is set for completion next year, is considered a critical development for the North-South Corridor, linking South Africa via Beitbridge to Zambia through Victoria Falls and Kazungula. Local leadership and residents have welcomed the economic impact of the works.
“Working on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road has been a big opportunity for me. I am proud to help rebuild a route that so many people depend on. Seeing the progress every week motivates me,” an employee said.
“This project has taught me new skills and given me a stable job. I feel valued, and it is great to be part of something that will boost tourism and improve safety for travellers,” a beneficiary said.
“ I appreciate the teamwork here. The equipment, planning, and support we get make the job easier. Knowing that our work will make travel smoother for the whole region keeps me going,” another employee said.
“Being part of this rehabilitation project has been inspiring. I am gaining real engineering experience and contributing to national development. It’s fulfilling to help rebuild such an important road,” a construction worker added.
“The coming of this project has breathed a new lease of life into the Bernice area. We are thankful,”Umguza District, Bernice Village Head, Mr Joseph Moyo stated.
Some of the eight contractors confirmed the jobs created by the road project, which is set for completion next year.
“Rehabilitation of the road is progressing well, and on our section, we have created over 140 jobs, three-quarters of them drawn from the local community,” one contractor said.
“So far, so good. We have over 100 workers on our stretch,” a contractor said.
“Most of our workers are from this community, over 80 % are locals. We only import skilled labour where it isn’t readily available. The good thing is we are also permanently employing some of the locals who are showing potential,” another contractor said.
Government is impressed by the progress being made by contractors, as well as the employment opportunities created for communities along the road.
“Work should be completed next year, no doubt about that. Most of the contractors are doing well, and we hope they will continue on this trajectory,” Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo said.
”The work ethic here is impressive. Most of the contractors are on schedule, and the work being done is of a good standard. They have also created jobs for the local community,” the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe said.
Fully funded by the treasury, the road remains a high-priority infrastructure project under the government’s strategy of leaving no one and no place behind. Some sections of the highway have already been completed and opened to traffic, improving connectivity and regional trade.
