Staff Reporter
The much-anticipated rehabilitation of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is set to begin following a partnership between Government and Bitumen World construction company.
This project is part of Government’s broader effort to enhance trade and connectivity by upgrading major highways across Zimbabwe. The road, a key artery linking Zimbabwe to neighboring countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia, is seen as a crucial component in boosting regional commerce.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing, in Harare, on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere confirmed that the rehabilitation of this vital road will be conducted through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Bitumen World.
"Cabinet advises that plans are underway to upgrade, rehabilitate, widen and dualise certain sections of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road through a Public-Private Partnership with Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd.
"The project will follow a Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer (DBOT) model, ensuring that the construction company takes charge of the entire process, from designing the road to its long-term management and maintenance. This rehabilitation and reconstruction will enhance the movement of transit traffic, making this route the most preferred along the North-South Corridor,” Dr Muswere stated.
Dr Muswere emphasized that this project is part of Government’s strategy to improve trade routes in the region.
“The North-South Corridor is one of Africa's key transport routes, linking Zimbabwe to its southern and northern neighbors and facilitating the movement of goods and services across borders. By improving this road, the Government hopes to increase its economic viability as a transit hub. In addition to the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, other critical road projects will commence immediately.
"Financial arrangements have been concluded for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of other roads, including the Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane Road, Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, and the Karoi-Binga-Cross Dete Road. The combined efforts to improve the nation's road network will cover approximately 750 kilometers,” he explained.
Dr Muswere expressed confidence that the partnership with Bitumen World would accelerate the progress of these projects.
"You will see the speed at which these projects will move, which confirms the importance that the Government attaches to the projects, underlining the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development,” he added.
Alongside road infrastructure, Dr Muswere highlighted that Cabinet also discussed Zimbabwe’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, a global event expected to showcase the country’s trade and investment potential.
“The official launch of Zimbabwe’s participation will take place on October 10, 2024, at State House, presided over by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Osaka 2025 is an important event, lasting seven months, with countries showcasing their products. ZimTrade will lead this mission, and it’s a great opportunity to market Zimbabwe as an investment destination,”Dr Muswere explained.
Turning to food security, Dr Muswere addressed measures to combat food deficits in rural areas.
“Over 68,000 tonnes of grain have been distributed to vulnerable communities across the country, while more than 9,000 tonnes of mealie-meal have been allocated for the school feeding program. Additionally, the Government is preparing for the 2024-2025 summer cropping season, with normal to above-normal rainfall expected to begin in November,” he said.
With significant developments on both the infrastructural and agricultural fronts, the Government’s efforts reflect a holistic approach to national development. By prioritizing critical road rehabilitation projects and addressing food security challenges, Zimbabwe is poised to bolster its economy and improve livelihoods across the country.
