Chiwenga says govt has approved construction of Matebeleland roads

The government has approved plans to construct and rehabilitate several key roads in Matebeleland, with work expected to begin by the end of this year, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga announced yesterday.

Speaking at the official opening of the AfriConfex 2024 conference at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Chiwenga emphasized the critical role infrastructure plays in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.

The conference, which was held under the theme Resilient Cities, Thriving Africa: Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Growth, brought together key stakeholders from across the continent to discuss solutions for urban development and infrastructure challenges.

Chiwenga highlighted the importance of roads in unlocking economic potential, stressing that no area could experience true development without proper accessibility. He revealed that plans for the construction of the Beitbridge-Gwanda-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road, as well as the Bulawayo-Nkayi and Karoi-Binga-Victoria Falls roads, had already been finalized and approved by Cabinet.

"It is our hope that before the end of this year, all that needs to be done is to start the Beitbridge-Gwanda-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road. Work plans for the Bulawayo-Nkayi and Karoi-Binga-Victoria Falls road have been done. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has presented its work plans and Cabinet has approved," Chiwenga said.

The Vice-President reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that proper and efficient roads are constructed across the country, noting that accessible infrastructure is vital for fostering economic growth.

"If we have roads, we will see development. No one can develop an area where they cannot get into. We must construct proper and efficient roads," he added.

Chiwenga further emphasized that infrastructure is the backbone of economic development, stating that while building residential areas is important, it must be complemented by the creation of job opportunities and industrial spaces to sustain growth.

"We cannot continue considering one aspect forgetting that when we built suburbs, where are those people going to get jobs? We must then build factories, spaces for industries," he said.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, who spoke on behalf of Minister Felix Mhona, also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the decline in the quality of the country's infrastructure due to underinvestment, operational constraints, and poor contract management. He highlighted the urgent need to bridge the existing infrastructure gap in Zimbabwe.

"A lot of work needs to be done in bridging the gap," Sacco said.

The planned road projects in Matabeleland are expected to play a pivotal role in improving connectivity across the region, boosting trade, and facilitating economic activities, particularly in the tourism and agricultural sectors.

As the government pushes forward with these infrastructural developments, stakeholders are hopeful that the projects will significantly contribute to Zimbabwe's economic recovery and long-term growth, while providing much-needed job opportunities for local communities.