Story by Regis Mhako
THE stage has been set for the rehabilitation of the Harare-Chirundu Highway after a groundbreaking ceremony for the multimillion-dollar project in Mapinga this Friday.
The project is the second phase of the Beitbridge-Chirundu rehabilitation and widening project.
550 million United States dollars has been aside for the second phase of the project.
Five contractors will implement the project, with each working on a 68-kilometre stretch on average.
Engineer Fungai Matahwa of Masimba Construction says they are ready for the task, with Hurungwe Rural District Council upbeat about improved revenue inflows resulting from increased traffic volumes after the completion of the project.
“This is not a big task at all since we have all the equipment, some of which was provided by the government. 18 months is a lot for us. We look forward to employing 400 unskilled workers from the local community.”
Hurungwe RDC Chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa said, “The project will result in increased traffic volumes which in turn will translate into revenue for Hurungwe Rural District Council. The longest part of the road is in Hurungwe district.”
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Marian Chombo noted that widening of the Harare-Chirundu Highway is set to reduce road carnage.
“This is a welcome development. Many fatalities were recorded along this road and we are glad the number of accidents may be minimised if the road is rehabilitated.”
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Honourable Felix Mhona revealed that the country is self-funding the project, adding that more road infrastructure projects are on the cards.
“We are self-funding. A lot of noise has been made about Chirundu Road. We are fulfilling the President’s mantra which says “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”. We are also going to establish toll plazas. Similar projects will be undertaken along the Bulawayo-Vic Falls and the Harare Nyamapanda roads.”
At least two thousand new jobs will be created during the road rehabilitation programme.
