Story by Wellington Makonese
GOVERNMENT has commissioned a high-capacity asphalt plant in Skyline, Harare, a development expected to accelerate road construction projects and reduce reliance on subcontractors.
The commissioning coincided with the reopening to traffic of a rehabilitated stretch of Harare Drive, improving connectivity to the strategic Beitbridge trade corridor.
The automated plant, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, produces dense-graded hot mix asphalt using locally sourced aggregates. Authorities say the move will reduce foreign currency outflows and streamline the supply chain through import substitution.
Project Manager Mr Elvis Chaperuka said the facility has the capacity to produce between 90 and 100 tonnes of asphalt per hour.
“This asphalt plant has a production capacity of between 90 and 100 tonnes per hour for road patching and full-scale construction. The process begins with quarry stones, which are fed into the main tower where bitumen and aggregates are blended. This facility will significantly enhance the pace and quality of road works,” he said.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona said the initiative underscores Government’s commitment to modernising the country’s road infrastructure.
“Government recognises the magnitude of our road network, which spans approximately 90 000 kilometres, larger than that of many countries. Our thrust is to produce our own asphalt rather than rely heavily on private suppliers. This shortens tender processes and allows us to respond swiftly to infrastructure demands,” he said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tawengwa said the development aligns with Government’s vision to modernise urban infrastructure and enhance service delivery.
With localised asphalt production now operational, authorities expect faster project implementation, reduced procurement delays and sustained momentum in the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe’s extensive road network.
