Harare-Beitbridge road nears completion

The rehabilitation of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway is on the brink of completion, with 465 kilometers now accessible to traffic. In addition, approximately 3 kilometers of dualized road were recently opened to traffic.

The overhaul of the Harare-Beitbridge highway and the modernization of the Beitbridge Border Post, designed to enhance efficiency and reduce delays, are among the prominent projects spearheaded by President Mnangagwa's administration.

Beitbridge Border Post has already been inaugurated by the President, and users of this bustling land border in the SADC region have lauded the swift clearance processes, particularly during the festive season.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona led a delegation to inspect the highway's progress and inaugurated the 3-kilometer dualized road section, situated just a few kilometers from the Mbudzi roundabout in Harare.

In an interview, Minister Mhona expressed satisfaction with the work done by the contractors along the road. He stressed the importance of witnessing and supervising these projects firsthand to stay informed and ensure progress.

He noted, "We are here to witness this flagship project, which is the Harare-Beitbridge Road. We are at Hunyani Bridge, where significant work is being carried out. Today, we opened a 3-kilometer stretch of the dualized section. Our plan is to transfer traffic to the new section to allow for the reclamation of the existing road after the tollgate. This means that, as of today, we will have opened close to 465 km of this stretch from Beitbridge. We are on track to meet our ministry's completion target."

With just under 50 kilometers of the road still requiring rehabilitation, detours are being constructed to facilitate traffic flow while work continues.

The minister acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the contractors and emphasized that the Harare-Chirundu Road is also a priority for the ministry, as it is in need of rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation and maintenance of these roads are funded through toll plazas situated on the north-south corridor, which includes the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway, the Harare-Chirundu highway, and the Harare Ring Road.

Minister Mhona also visited and opened a 2.5-kilometer section of Chitungwiza Road, which was contracted to a local company, Syvern. The company is currently working on another section of the road leading up to Manyame Bridge.

Minister Mhona commended President Mnangagwa for championing the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme, which has significantly improved road conditions in the country. Residents and motorists also expressed their appreciation for the government's efforts in refurbishing these vital road networks, which had previously fallen into disrepair. They urged further action on other roads in need of attention.