Only 46km of Harare-Mutare dualisation complete, open to traffic

A 46-kilometer dual carriageway between Harare and Marondera has been successfully completed and opened to traffic as part of the Second Republic's efforts to enhance the country's road infrastructure.

Last Friday, 6 kilometers of this 46-kilometer stretch were officially inaugurated for public use by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, alongside the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Aplonia Munzverengwi, and other senior government officials.

The dualization project for the Harare-Mutare highway began in 2012 but saw no significant progress until the advent of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa. This administration has prioritized extensive infrastructure development, including roads, airports, border posts, schools, clinics, hospitals, and energy infrastructure.

Projects that were initiated during the First Republic but remained stalled are now being successfully concluded under President Mnangagwa's leadership.

Local company Fossil Contracting Private Limited is responsible for the Harare-Mutare road works.

Speaking to the press after the official opening of the 6-kilometer section, Minister Mhona emphasized their commitment to ensuring all roads become usable, highlighting the pivotal role of a well-maintained road network in economic development.

He mentioned future plans, including extending the dualization to Marondera and then to Mutare, creating a 26-kilometer bypass at Christmas Pass, and upgrading Forbes Border Post in Manicaland.

Minister Mhona also discussed other road upgrade projects, such as the Harare-Nyamapanda highway and Nyamapanda Border Post.

He pledged an all-Government approach to address traffic congestion and accidents on the road leading from Mabvuku Turn-off to Harare's Central Business District.

These infrastructure developments align with the Vision 2030 goal of achieving an empowered upper-middle-income society.

Minister Munzverengwi expressed her appreciation for President Mnangagwa's commitment to road development in Mashonaland East Province and commended the Ministry of Transport and Fossil Contracting for their excellent work. She also called for the prompt completion of the Melfort bridge, an area known for traffic accidents along the highway.

The province hosts two major roads with connections to South Africa and Mozambique, and local companies' involvement in road projects has been seen as a significant benefit.