Story by John Nhandara
ROAD connectivity is expected to improve in Matabeleland South province with the construction of the Plumtree – Maitengwe Road having started.
The contractor assigned to work on the road is now on site, working on the vital artery which connects Plumtree and Maitengwe Border Post.
The commencement of the project has excited the local community, who believe construction of the road was long overdue.
“This is a great project which will transport our community. We will connect to Maitengwe Border Post efficiently if this project is completed and we have been employed as a result of this project,” a community member said.
The scope of work includes total reconstruction of the road into an asphalt road.
“It is a 10-kilometre road reconstruction that we are doing. We are reaping the existing base that is there and form the road and make the subgrade. We are also going to form the drainage and put culverts,” Contractor, Engineer Nevermind Zambuko noted.
With the road connecting Plumtree and Maitengwe Border Post, Matabeleland South province is expected to derive maximum benefits from the project.
“This is the first tarred road construction that we are witnessing in Bulilima district. This is a critical road leading to Maitengwe Border Post. We believe that there will be a lot of traffic coming in and a lot of businesses and employment opportunities, because the quality of the road will be improved. A total of 40 locals have been employed,” Matabeleland South ZANU PF Provincial Chairperson, Cde Mangaliso Ndlovu said.
“As a portfolio committee, we are grateful to the road rehabilitation projects being spearheaded by the Second Republic,” Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Tawanda Karikoga noted.
The project is testimony to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inclusive development approach.
“Contrary to a narrative that we favour certain provinces, we are demonstrating that under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, no place is going to be left behind. The goodness of this is also to try and open our borders and enhance trade and improve the livelihoods of our people within this community,” the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona stated.
The rehabilitation of the road forms part of an ongoing emergency road rehabilitation programme, which aims to upgrade the country’s road infrastructure to stimulate decentralised economic growth.
