No progress on Bulawayo-Nkayi Road

The long-awaited rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road is moving at a slow pace, with DIFFLOCK Construction, the newly-appointed contractor, already establishing its base and advancing the project.

The contractor has laid base material over a 26-kilometre stretch starting from Ngwigwisi Bridge, passing Badala Business Centre in Bubi. The next phase, sub-base compaction, is set to commence shortly. This critical process involves smoothing out loose materials like soil and gravel to create a solid foundation for the road.

The Bulawayo-Nkayi Road is one of 33 priority road projects designated by the Government for completion by 2025. Other significant projects include the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho road and urban roads like Cecil Avenue and Jacaranda in Bulawayo. In total, the government plans to rehabilitate 50 kilometres of the Bulawayo-Nkayi and Bulawayo-Tsholotsho roads.

Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, highlighted the importance of these projects in his 2025 budget presentation. He announced a funding allocation of ZiG$27.5 billion, with a substantial share going to the Department of Roads and the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA).

"Feeder roads are a critical component of the Government's rural industrialisation and development strategy. The US$75 million loan facility for RIDA will enable aggressive rehabilitation and upgrading of rural road infrastructure," said Professor Ncube.

Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development and Bubi constituency legislator, Simelisizwe Sibanda, expressed confidence in the new contractor's ability to meet government targets.

"We are pleased with the progress soon after Ngwigwisi Bridge, where the previous contractor stopped. The new contractor is moving at an impressive pace," said Deputy Minister Sibanda.

He emphasized that the road's rehabilitation will significantly benefit the districts of Bubi and Nkayi by easing travel challenges for motorists and the public, while also spurring economic growth.

Deputy Minister Sibanda commended the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa for prioritising infrastructure projects in Matabeleland North.

"In addition to this road, numerous projects have been completed in Bubi, including the installation of 20 solarised boreholes. This progress gives us full confidence that the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road will be completed as promised," he said.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has indicated that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the current scope of work is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The Bulawayo-Nkayi Road project underscores the government's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and improving infrastructure to support economic activities. With continued progress, the road is expected to transform travel and commerce in the region, marking a milestone in Zimbabwe's development efforts.