Story by Tichaona Kurewa
PUBLIC–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are transforming the pace of national infrastructure development, with the Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe Road emerging as a flagship example of how collaboration with private investors is delivering tangible results.
The 240-kilometre highway is being constructed through a partnership between Government and local contractor, Road Trekkers, a PPP model that is easing pressure on Treasury while speeding up project completion.
“So far, we have completed about 15 kilometres at subgrade level, 10 kilometres at base three, and base two works are underway. We are targeting 60 kilometres next year, 30 in Matabeleland North and 30 in Midlands,” said Project Engineer for the Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe Road, Engineer Brighton Vundla.
Ancillary infrastructure such as weighbridges to curb overloading and toll plazas to enhance revenue collection form part of the project’s scope.
The partnership, being implemented under a Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) arrangement, is not only delivering critical infrastructure but also strengthening local capacity.
“This is a local contractor and we are capacitating our local engineers. They now have graders, tippers, and all the machinery needed for road construction. We do not need to look to the UK or South Africa when we have capable local talent that understands our terrain,” noted Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe.
Director Roads in the Ministry, Engineer Jarawani Kangara, added that the economic benefits of the project will reach far beyond road users.
“Manhize is currently using the Lupane-Bulawayo route. Once this new road opens, transport costs for raw materials will drop, meaning the price of steel will also go down. The benefits are many,” he explained.
With 150 skilled workers already on site and multiple construction teams expected to be deployed in 2025, the project, set for completion in 2029, stands as proof that PPPs are not only viable but essential for Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development ambitions
