A KEY section of the Harare-Mazowe road dualisation project was opened to traffic yesterday, marking a milestone in the Government’s ambitious infrastructure upgrade.
The newly completed 3,3km stretch was met with applause from motorists who have long endured congested and difficult travel on the route.
The opening was led by a high-level delegation including Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe, and other senior Government and ZINARA officials.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the project was far more than just a road upgrade since it eventually means a modern dual carriageway highway all the way to Kanyemba Border Post in northeast Zimbabwe.
“This project represents a key that will unlock immense potential for Zimbabwe, transforming a neglected corridor into a vibrant economic route,” he said.
Minister Mhona outlined the project’s wide-ranging benefits, positioning Zimbabwe as a critical transit hub within SADC and creating the shortest route from Harare to Zambia and the DRC.
He also highlighted the importance of a reliable road network for unlocking the mineral-rich potential of the region and providing direct access to agriculturally rich districts.
The contractor for the project, Exodus and Company, was commended for its work since starting in February last year.
Project director Engineer Alex Mashangu confirmed the contractor’s commitment to continuing the work all the way to Kanyemba.
Zinarachairperson Dr George Manyaya assured the public that funding for such critical road maintenance is available, noting that Zinara has already disbursed ZIG6.1 billion this year alone.
The Government’s broader road rehabilitation efforts were also highlighted, with over 50 000km of roads reportedly rehabilitated and reconstructed since the start of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP2) in 2021.
For daily commuters and businesses, the newly opened section promises safer, faster travel and is seen as a vital artery for economic growth, connecting the capital to northern regions and beyond.—Herald
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