Story by Tichaona Kurewa
CONSTRUCTION of the strategic Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe Road is progressing steadily, with significant milestones already achieved on the first phase of the project, which is scheduled for completion by 2029.
The 240-kilometre highway is being developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Government and local contractor Road Trekkers, an arrangement designed to accelerate infrastructure delivery while easing pressure on the national fiscus.
Once completed, the road is expected to improve connectivity between Matabeleland North and Midlands provinces, enhance the movement of goods and services, and stimulate economic activity along the corridor.
Construction teams are currently concentrating on the first 10-kilometre section, where major groundwork has already been completed ahead of the surfacing stage.
“Where we are, we have sectionalised the road, attacking our first 10 kilometres at the moment. With the 10 kilometres, our road is a four-layered road. We have completed the sub-grade base three and base two for the entire 10 kilometres, with base one already now at six kilometres, which we are now also moving on to the next stage of our construction, which is just behind me, where we are now priming. We are continuing with the priming today,” Construction Engineer Matabeleland North Province Engineer Peace Harare said.
Work is continuing on the remaining sections of the initial stretch as contractors prepare for the next phase of construction.
“This is just a part of the process where we have hauled our material, and we are now doing the spread and compaction of the material. On top of this, that’s where we then get to the surfacing stage of the road construction,” Engineer Peace Harare said.
