Source: Road construction gains momentum in Matabeleland South – herald
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
CONSTRUCTION of the Gwanda-Maphisa and Bulawayo-Kezi-Maphisa roads is gaining momentum, with detours being constructed to expedite works while ensuring the smooth flow of traffic.
The roads are being surfaced as part of legacy projects implemented in Matabeleland South, which will be hosting this year’s 46th Independence Day celebrations.
In an interview, Matabeleland South Provincial Roads Engineer Mangisi Nkomo told Sunday News that four contractors are working on the Gwanda-Maphisa Road, while seven are involved in the Bulawayo-Kezi-Maphisa Road.
“We are working on two major roads: the Bulawayo-Kezi-Maphisa Road and the Gwanda-Maphisa Road. The works include surfacing 55 km along the Gwanda-Maphisa Road and 63 km along the Bulawayo-Kezi-Maphisa Road, as well as other rehabilitation works on these routes.
“We are progressing steadily and as we do so, we are constructing detours. The temporary access routes will ensure continuous traffic flow while major works are underway. Our aim is to minimise disruptions to motorists and local communities, while enabling contractors to carry out essential upgrades,” he said.
The construction of the Gwanda-Maphisa highway and the Bulawayo-Kezi-Maphisa Road is among several major roads being rehabilitated as part of the Second Republic’s broader infrastructure development agenda. These projects commenced following a Cabinet strategic decision to host the 2026 Independence Day celebrations at Maphisa Open Grounds.
This move has triggered the roll-out of key infrastructure development programmes aligned with the devolution initiative.
The Gwanda-Maphisa Road connects several districts and links vital economic centres, including Arda Antelope, the Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts and various tourist attractions in Matobo. Once completed, the road is expected to significantly reduce travel times between Gwanda and surrounding districts, particularly Matobo, thereby improving access to services and unlocking new economic opportunities in mining, agriculture, and tourism.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Cde Albert Nguluvhe emphasised efforts to ensure substantial progress in road construction. He highlighted that this intervention aligns with the Government’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”“We are calling for all hands on deck as we work to accelerate infrastructure development projects in Matabeleland South, including the construction of the Gwanda-Maphisa and Bulawayo-Kezi-Maphisa roads. We are grateful to the Government for choosing our province to host the Independence celebrations, which has brought significant development initiatives.
“The construction of these roads will greatly reduce travel distances, transforming business and service delivery. The Gwanda-Maphisa Road is the shortest route for travellers heading to Maphisa from Gwanda, Beitbridge, Insiza and even Masvingo. It 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 efforts are part of the Government’s Vision 2030 goal to become an upper-middle-income society, with a modern and efficient road network being central to achieving this target.
Several legacy projects are also underway in the province as it prepares to host the 46th Independence Celebrations on 18 April. These include the construction of 41 Science laboratories, which are expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Additional developments include the renovation of Mahetshe Primary School in Maphisa, the venue for the Children’s Party, and the expansion of Mahetshe Secondary School, which will host the music gala.
This will involve the construction of a 700-seater hall, four classroom blocks, an advanced science block, a computer laboratory, staff toilets, two science laboratories, an administration block, teachers’ cottages and additional staff toilets.
The 2nd Republic’s devolution agenda has driven a transformative shift by decentralising these events and adopting a rotational format across the 10 provinces, commencing in 2021.
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