Urgent attention to Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway please

It is indeed worrisome and disheartening that the upgrading of Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway is still stalled by just a mere court case that is taking ages to be resolved.

For sure, this court case should be treated as a matter of emergence as it has crippled a number of business opportunities that could have elevated the development of the nation. Honestly, for how long should our country's economy be sabotaged? Considering that this highway is the busiest road in the country and more so, a vital economic resource as it facilitates high volumes of trade between our nation and neighbouring countries.

This explains the notion that well established roads play a crucial role in the flow of international trade.

The Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge road has been the scene of many fatal accidents. This highway is failing to receive the attention it requires regarding the purpose it saves. Recent reports on this road are that pot holes are being patched. But patching pot holes is not all what is needed. Making transport infrastructural services efficient helps in nation building.

To add on, most road carnages have been occurring due to the narrowness of this road. Zimbabweans who dwell in South Africa are now coming back for the festive season, hence, increased risk of human carnage.

The responsible authorities should be encouraged to pursue this matter urgently. It is well known that the tender to rehabilitate that highway was awarded to Zim-Highway Consortium ten years ago; unfortunately, nothing progressive has taken place. The court ruling is taking more than long, and there is urgent need for the case to be concluded.

When taking into consideration, the first priority of road rehabilitation should have been given to this highway. The Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge road contributes a lot to the life line of the country's economy.

Quality roads are essential for linking producers and consumers and the presence or absence of good roads affects investment decisions.

It is also alleged that delays to the construction of the Masvingo highway was also interrupted long back by the then Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Nicholas Goche. Goche was once involved in corrupt activities whereby he demanded 15% cash upfront from a contractor so that he could be offered an award to rehabilitate this highway.

Other highways have been expanded excellently, for example the Bulawayo-Plumtree road. This highway has been given attention; hence, the same should be done to all other roads, especially the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway.

Failing to maintain the Masvingo highway will result in more souls perishing. Most people have termed this road, 'the highway of death' due to these numerous accidents that have been happening.

For real, the court case has delayed the dualisation of the road. Since this road is frequented by haulage trucks and cross border buses which, usually travel at night, urgent dualisation is needed. Those who are involved in the court case should consider the precious lives of the majority due to this case.

Until when should the people of Zimbabwe perish in this strip road only because the case is still before the courts? As this case is still in courts, the responsible authorities should therefore regulate and enforce that all heavy trucks using this highway should only move between 0600 and 1800 hours. This will assist in reducing the rate of road accidents.

Better highways will also benefit domestic trade, especially if complementary investments in secondary and rural feeder roads are forthcoming as well. For example, farmers from areas like Gutu, Nyika and Bikita should be able to travel from one point to the other selling their farm produce without delays.

Therefore, the Government, through the responsible Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, should be encouraged to immediately action this court case so that this highway is given urgent attention.