Govt reaffirms commitment to Gwanda–Maphisa Road

Source: www.zimbabwesituation.com

Source: Govt reaffirms commitment to Gwanda–Maphisa Road – herald Sukulwenkosi Dube‑Matutu VICE President Kembo Mohadi has emphasised Government’s commitment to the completion of the Gwanda–Maphisa Road rehabilitation, which is expected to unlock economic development in Matabeleland South. Construction of the Gwanda–Maphisa Road, which had stalled for decades, resumed earlier this year, with six contractors currently on site. The project is among several legacy projects being implemented by Government in Matabeleland South, which will host this year’s National Independence Day celebrations at Maphisa Stadium in Matobo District on Saturday.

The road had been set for completion and surfacing ahead of Independence Day, but progress was delayed by several factors, including persistent rainfall experienced in most parts of the country over the past two months. Meanwhile, the road has been graded to ensure smooth traffic flow ahead of the celebrations. About US$6 million is required to complete the Gwanda–Maphisa Road, which forms part of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase Two (ERRP2), launched by President Mnangagwa in 2021 after declaring the country’s road network a state of national disaster, thereby allowing emergency funding and accelerated implementation.

Through ERRP2, Government has prioritised the rehabilitation of highways, urban roads and feeder roads to improve transport efficiency, road safety and regional connectivity in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). Speaking during a recent tour of legacy projects in Matabeleland South, VP Mohadi reiterated that Government remains committed to completing all projects, even those that fail to meet deadlines set ahead of Independence Day. “All the projects we have started ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, which will take place here in Maphisa, will be revisited to ensure that they are completed, because they are legacy projects that the people of Matabeleland South will look at in the future and say, ‘This is what the 2026 Independence Day celebrations brought to our province,’” said VP Mohadi. “The people of Matabeleland South must rest assured that Government will not abandon unfinished legacy projects, because that is not how we do things. That is not how our Government works. “I am here as the chairman of National State Occasions, and I am very happy with the progress of projects that Government has embarked on ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.” The Gwanda–Maphisa Road connects several districts and links key economic centres, including ARDA Antelope Estate, the Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts and major tourist attractions in Matobo.

Once completed, the road is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Gwanda and surrounding districts, particularly Matobo, improve access to essential services, and open up new economic opportunities in mining, agriculture and tourism. Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, said Government’s commitment to completing the road has brought renewed hope to communities. He said the completion of the Gwanda–Maphisa Road will unlock vast economic opportunities in the province, which will be critical in achieving Vision 2030. “The construction of the Gwanda–Maphisa Road will significantly reduce travel distances, which is transformative for both business and service delivery. “It is the shortest route for people travelling to Maphisa from Gwanda, Beitbridge, Insiza and even Masvingo, among other areas.

The road will also improve intra‑district connectivity and unlock more business opportunities within the province,” he said. Other major roads under development in the province include the Plumtree–Maitengwe Road and the Beitbridge–Bulawayo Highway. These infrastructure projects form part of Government’s Vision 2030 goal of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper‑middle‑income society, with a modern and efficient road network central to achieving that objective.

Under the Second Republic, increased funding has been channelled towards road rehabilitation through Treasury support and disbursements from Zinara, resulting in the resurfacing, widening and upgrading of several key routes nationwide. Government has said the rehabilitation drive is designed not only to prepare for national events, but also to leave a durable infrastructure legacy that supports trade, tourism and economic transformation across the country. Since its inception, the ERRP has transformed Zimbabwe’s road network, rehabilitating over 12 000 kilometres of roads, upgrading key urban arteries and restoring bridges destroyed by floods.

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Related topics: Government, Infrastructure, Road Rehabilitation, Matabeleland South, Kembo Mohadi, Economic Development, Vision 2030, National Projects, ERRP2

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