….. as Pres. Mnangagwa commissions Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe road

Staff Reporter

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to nationwide road rehabilitation, with President Mnangagwa commissioning the newly completed Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road in Shurugwi yesterday.

Speaking at the event, President Mnangagwa emphasised the Second Republic’s dedication to achieving major milestones in infrastructure development through deliberate policies.

“Look at the development which is there now. In the 1940s, we would say there is one secondary school in one district. I’m very happy that this development was registered under the Second Republic. I’m very proud this is the trajectory we have taken, and we should continue to score such milestones,” said the President.

For years, the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road was in a deplorable state, creating significant challenges for drivers and road users. 

The recently completed multi-million-dollar project involved extensive modernisation, including widening the road to accommodate increased traffic.

The stretch of road serves as a vital link between the Beitbridge Border Post and key towns such as Gweru and Kwekwe, offering an alternative to the winding route through Masvingo. 

The Chibi Turn-off now directs traffic through the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road to the Midlands capital, significantly improving travel efficiency.

Addressing thousands of attendees at Mkandapi Growth Point to celebrate the completion of the roadworks, President Mnangagwa reiterated the importance of robust infrastructure development for both the nation and the region.

“I’m happy with the honour and respect you have given me at this occasion. This is one of the occasions where we celebrate milestones achieved by our Government as we strive to reach Vision 2030. This vision includes implementing harmonious regional infrastructure. The roads we are building are not just for Zimbabwe, but we cooperate with other countries,” he noted.

President Mnangagwa highlighted the use of local resources and expertise in completing the project, underscoring the government’s ability to deliver transformative development without foreign assistance.

“Today’s event is impactful as we transform and upgrade our infrastructure—key for modern development. Modernisation of roads has made life easier for the people of Shurugwi. In the beauty of these roads, no foreigners came to build them; we did it on our own,” he said.

The President also stressed the need for continued investments in education and healthcare infrastructure to complement road development.

“For the country to develop, we require robust infrastructure planning and development to build the necessary domestic resources. We need more schools for children in rural areas. Education must be accessible to every child where they grow up. Similarly, every Zimbabwean must have access to primary health care,” he said, recounting personal experiences of limited health care access in the past.

With the road commissioning coming just ahead of the festive season, President Mnangagwa also urged drivers to navigate the country’s roads with caution, highlighting the importance of road safety during this period.