Mhandamabwe highway upgraded
Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE government’s road infrastructure development is on the course, with the rehabilitation of the Shurugwi – Mhandamabwe Highway which connects Midlands and Masvingo provinces starting this Monday.
It is all systems go for the rehabilitation of the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Highway after the government availed the necessary funding, with the contractor now on site.
The government says the rehabilitation of the highway is part of broader plans to improve key infrastructure in the country in line with the Second Republic’s National Development Strategy One (NDS1).
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Felix Mhona said, “We are working with the private sector to ensure that we make our roads passable. We are working with all the necessary departments to ensure that our roads are OK so that we don’t lose lives unnecessarily. We have lined up several activities to ensure that we enhance the ease of doing business.”
The Midlands community is equally excited about the business opportunities that will be unlocked by the rehabilitation of the Highway.
“We are very excited as a province to witness such a key milestone in our midst. The year 2024 has started on a high note and has signaled better things to come for the Midlands province as our priority road has been targeted for reconstruction confirming the new dispensation’s development approach of leaving no one and no place behind,” said Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube.
Shurugwi South Constituency legislator, Honourable Wilson Mhuri said, “We are very excited as people of Shurugwi for the development which has come to our constituency. This confirms the fact that our President is a listening President. We have been waiting for this moment for a long time. It’s a huge milestone indeed.”
“It is indeed a dream come true. We used to have problems with our cars traveling on this road but today our prayers have just been answered,” said a community member.
Another community member said, “We are facing some serious Transport challenges as people tend to shun this road. The intervention by the government is most welcome as we are likely going to have a busy highway soon.”
The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) took the opportunity to clarify that the recent increase in toll fees is meant to mobilise resources for the upgrade of the country’s road network.
“We had to effect those changes as we are upgrading our road infrastructure network. As you can see we have embarked on massive upgrading of our roads and all this requires huge capital injection. We are very happy that all is spectacularly taking shape,” said ZINARA Board Chairperson, Dr George Manyaya.
The Second Republic has been on a massive infrastructure development drive which has seen some of the country’s major highways, including the Harare – Masvingo – Beitbridge Highway, being rehabilitated.
