Sikhulekelani Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
SEVERAL major capital projects in Matabeleland North, spearheaded by the Government under the Second Republic, are expected to be completed this year, marking a significant milestone in efforts to unlock the province’s economic potential and address long-standing infrastructure gaps.
Among the key projects is the flagship Lake Gwayi-Shangani, the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway and the construction of the Lupane Provincial Hospital, all of which are central to the Government’s devolution and inclusive development agenda.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo said in an interview yesterday that the Government was optimistic that most of the projects would be completed within set timelines.
“Our major projects in the province, particularly the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, are progressing well. We have eight contractors on the project and although work paused for the festive season, they are expected back on site on 12 January,” said Minister Moyo.
“So far, a total of 38 kilometres have been completed under the first phase after the recent 5,4 kilometre stretch of the highway at Cross Jotsholo was officially opened to traffic. Once contractors resume, they will move into the second phase and we are hopeful that by July or August the road will be ready for commissioning.”
The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway is one of the country’s most strategic transport corridors, linking the southern region to Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and neighbouring countries such as Zambia and Botswana. For years, the road had deteriorated due to heavy traffic, age and limited maintenance, posing safety risks and undermining tourism, trade and regional connectivity.
Its rehabilitation is expected to significantly boost tourism inflows to Victoria Falls, ease the movement of goods and services, reduce vehicle operating costs and enhance road safety, while positioning Matabeleland North as a key logistics and tourism hub.
Minister Moyo said there is tremendous progress on the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project, which has long been regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most transformative water infrastructure developments.
The project, a key component of the larger National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (NMZWP), was mooted over a century ago, with initial plans conceived as far back as 1912 during the colonial era. It is only after the coming in of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa that the project has received significant fiscal support and political will that has seen it take off at an accelerated pace. The project involves several phases. The first is the Gwayi-Shangani Dam and the pipeline from the dam to Bulawayo, with the second phase being an extended pipeline which will draw water from the Zambezi River itself.
It is designed to supply water to Bulawayo, irrigate vast tracts of land in Matabeleland North and South, and support industrial, agricultural and mining activities. It is also expected to address long-lasting water shortages in Bulawayo, which have for years constrained industrial growth and affected residents.
“The Lake Gwayi-Shangani project is ongoing and the Government is disbursing about US$5 million every month. We are looking forward to completing it by August,” said Minister Moyo.
Once completed, the dam will be linked to the NMZWP, which includes a pipeline to Bulawayo, making it a cornerstone of long-term water security for the southern region. The Lupane Provincial Hospital is another key development aimed at improving access to quality healthcare. For years, residents of Matabeleland North have had to travel long distances to Bulawayo or other provinces to access specialised medical services.
“We are awaiting the final US$5 million tranche, which will allow us to complete the first phase and commission the hospital so that people can start benefiting from the facility,” said Minister Moyo.
The hospital is expected to decongest major referral institutions such as Mpilo Central Hospital, improve emergency response times and bring specialist health services closer to communities in the province.
Since the advent of the Second Republic in 2017, Matabeleland North has also witnessed the completion of several landmark infrastructure projects, including the Hwange Power Station Units 7 and 8 expansion project. The project added 600 megawatts to the national grid, significantly easing power shortages and supporting industrial and economic growth.
The Welshman Mabhena Government Complex, another signature project, is set to improve service delivery by decentralising Government offices to Lupane, in line with devolution objectives.
Minister Moyo said rehabilitation works were also ongoing at Hwange Power Station Units 1 to 6, as Government seeks to extend the lifespan of the older units while strengthening energy security.
“There are also numerous devolution projects underway across all districts, including the construction of clinics and schools. These developments show the commitment of the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa to equitable development,” he said.
The minister also highlighted progress under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme and the establishment of Village Business Units (VBUs) across the province.
Village Business Units are community-based production hubs equipped with water infrastructure and irrigation systems designed to support activities such as market gardening, fish farming and small-scale agro-processing. The initiative is aimed at enhancing food security, creating employment and enabling rural communities to participate meaningfully in local economies.
Minister Moyo said road rehabilitation works were also progressing on the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, while plans were underway to engage contractors for the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road.
“This is particularly important as this year’s Independence celebrations will be held in Kezi, meaning people from Matabeleland North will be using that route,” he said.
The post High-impact Matabeleland North projects set for 2026 completion appeared first on herald.
The post High-impact Matabeleland North projects set for 2026 completion appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.