Zimbabwe is on the verge of completing a major infrastructure project that will boost its economy and regional integration. The Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway, which connects the capital city to the country’s southern border with South Africa, is expected to be fully rehabilitated by the end of this year.
The highway is part of the north-south corridor that links Zimbabwe to its neighboring countries and facilitates trade and transport in the region. The project, which started in 2017, involves upgrading the existing road to a dual carriageway and constructing new bridges and toll plazas.
The project is one of the signature initiatives of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, which has prioritized infrastructure development as a key driver of economic recovery. The president has also overseen the modernization of the Beitbridge Border Post, which is the busiest land border in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
On Tuesday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona led a delegation on a tour of the highway and opened about 3km of dualised road near Mbudzi roundabout in Harare. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractors and said the project was on track to meet its deadline.
“We are here to witness this flagship project which is Harare-Beitbridge Road and we are at Hunyani Bridge where you are seeing tremendous works being undertaken on this particular project. And the idea is to witness and also to be in a position to supervise for us so that we don’t have to wait and hear what is happening without us seeing,” he said.
He added that after opening the 3km stretch, the total length of rehabilitated road would be close to 465km, leaving only about 50km to be completed. He also said that his ministry was ready to start working on another critical road, the Harare-Chirundu highway, which connects Zimbabwe to Zambia.
The highway project has been welcomed by motorists and commuters who have been facing challenges such as potholes, congestion and accidents on the old road. The new road is expected to improve safety, reduce travel time and lower maintenance costs for vehicles.
The project has also created employment opportunities for local people and boosted business activities along the route. Some of the contractors are local companies that have demonstrated their capacity and competence in delivering quality work.
The highway project is a testament to Zimbabwe’s resilience and determination to overcome its economic challenges and achieve its vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030. It is also a sign of the country’s commitment to regional integration and cooperation, which are essential for sustainable development in Africa.
Source: [The Herald]
