Story by Tamuka Charakupa
GOVERNMENT is adopting a sustainable financing model to accelerate the rehabilitation of the 356-kilometre Harare-Chirundu Highway, a strategic regional corridor linking Zimbabwe to Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
So far, 26 kilometres of the highway have been rehabilitated with support from the Japanese government, generating enthusiasm among motorists and businesses along the route. Authorities say full-scale construction will begin once financial modalities for contractors are finalised.
“We have now put in place a funding model that ensures that when we start, we do not stop. We are targeting about 18 months to complete the project, and currently finalising financial modalities for contractors to fully move on site,” Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona, said.
In the meantime, contractors already deployed along the highway will continue maintenance works to improve trafficability while awaiting full mobilisation.
Government has also revealed plans to modernise the Chirundu Border Post starting in June, bringing it in line with the upgraded Beitbridge Border Post.
“You will also see us modernising our border posts, upgrading tollgates into plazas, and installing weighbridges to curb overloading,” Minister Mhona added.
President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa said the project forms part of broader infrastructure upgrades, combining Treasury resources, private sector financing and support from development partners.
“Infrastructure upgrading and development projects are steadily progressing through innovative funding models by Treasury, private sector financing, as well as support from development partners. Completion, rehabilitation and upgrading of the Harare-Chirundu Road, Christmas Pass by-pass, Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, Chirundu Border Post, and Forbes Border Post, remain top priority. The construction of other road infrastructure, such as interchanges at strategic points in our cities, are on the cards, with the Trabablas Interchange now operational,” the President said.
The initiative is expected to improve road safety, enhance regional trade, and facilitate the movement of goods and people along one of the country’s busiest transport arteries.
