Story by Josephine Mugiyo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa says the country will continue to score major milestones in infrastructure development, by harnessing deliberate policies enunciated by the Second Republic.
He was speaking at the commissioning of the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road in Shurugwi this Thursday.
For years, the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road was a nightmare for drivers and road users due to its bad state.
The multi-million dollar project for a new road, saw modern construction work which included widening of the road being carried out.
The stretch of road links Beitbridge Border Post with towns like Gweru and Kwekwe as traffic can now avoid the winding route that takes them through Masvingo, through using Chibi Turn off which leads to the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe road and all the way to the Midlands capital.
President Mnangagwa said the project has brought a new lease of life to the Midlands province, reiterating the Second Republic’s resolve to develop the national road network.
“Look at the development which is there now, in the 40s we would say there is one secondary school in one district. I’m very happy that this development was registered under the Second Republic. I’m very proud this is the trajectory we have taken and we should continue to score such milestones,” he said.
Later, President Mnangagwa addressed thousands who gathered to celebrate the completion of the roadworks at Mkandapi Growth Point, noting the importance of infrastructure development for the nation as well as the region.
“I’m happy with the honour and respect you have given me at this occasion. This is one of the occasions where we celebrate, that have been done by our government as we strive to reach our Vision 2030. This vision will implement a harmonious regional infrastructure. The roads we are building are not just for Zimbabwe but we cooperate with other countries,” noted the President.
Once again the ability to use local resources and expertise came to the fore as President Mnangagwa revealed that no foreign assistance was solicited in the road project.
“Today’s event is impactful as we transform and upgrade our infrastructure key for modern development. Once our roads are done. Modernisation of roads have made life easier for the people of Shurugwi. In the beauty of the roads no foreigners came to build but we did it on our own,” he added.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted the importance of building more schools and health care centres.
“For the country to develop we require robust infrastructure planning and development to build the necessary domestic resources. We need to have more schools for the kids in the rural areas. Education must be accessed by ever child in the area they come from and are brought up. When we were growing up, I remember when my grandfather got sick and we put him in an ox-drawn cart to access the nearest health care centre. We want every Zimbabwean to have primary health care,” he highlighted.
With the road being commissioned at a time when the festive season is fast-approaching, the need for drivers to navigate the country’s roads with extreme caution, also took centre stage.
