Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE rehabilitation of the 44-kilometre Mvurwi-Bidgale-Makagi Road is improving rural connectivity through a public-private partnership, with farming communities expected to benefit from better transport links and easier access to essential services.
Residents have welcomed the project, saying it will reduce travel times, improve mobility and enhance access to markets, schools and health facilities.
“This road was in a poor state for quite some time, so we welcome its rehabilitation. We have resorts and farms in this area, and reliable transport is vital,” said one resident.
Another resident said the project would ease travel for communities that had long struggled with the deteriorating road.
“I would like to thank President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who sent our minister to work with our councillor to rehabilitate this road. It had become difficult to use, but once the works are complete, we expect it to be in excellent condition.”
A third resident said the rehabilitation had already begun to improve accessibility.
“We are pleased that work has begun on this road. It used to take us about three and a half hours to travel along this route, but it is now becoming more accessible.”
The rehabilitation programme supports the Government’s drive to improve market access for farming communities while strengthening links to schools, health facilities and other social services.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, said the project reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure development.
“I would like to applaud President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his commitment to infrastructure development. Communities in Guruve South Constituency are benefiting from his vision of leaving no one and no place behind, as demonstrated by the active community participation in this road rehabilitation project,” he said.
The regravelling works are being carried out through a partnership involving the local authority, the community and private sector investors.
Guruve Ward 14 Councillor Thompson Maguduru said steady progress had already been made.
“About 44 piles of gravel have been stockpiled. People were paying US$5 to travel just 17 kilometres, but we heeded the President’s call and mobilised investors. Chinese partners brought in tipper trucks, and we are regravelling the road. We expect the rehabilitation works to be completed successfully,” he said.
Once completed, the Mvurwi-Bidgale-Makagi Road will serve six wards, reducing transport costs, improving access to markets and essential services, and supporting rural industrialisation in line with the National Development Strategy 2.
