Zimbabwe govt okays US$110m Old Gwanda Road upgrade

The Government of Zimbabwe has signed a concession agreement with Zwane Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd for the reconstruction of the 120km Old Gwanda Road under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The project, initially estimated at US$110 million, has been revised to US$150 million to accommodate enhancements, including cultural storytelling elements. Zwane Enterprises, which expressed interest in 2023, will fund, design, and upgrade the road over a 25-year concession period.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joey Makumbe, confirmed that work would begin after securing financial closure within 90 days.

"We are expecting as a Government that work should start. If financial closure is not achieved within 90 days, the concession will lapse to protect government interests," she said.

To ensure progress, the Government will monitor the project over a five-year period.

Zwane Enterprises chief executive officer, Engineer Bekithemba Mbambo, highlighted the economic significance of the road.

"The corridor boasts of multiple industries, including tourism, mining, and agriculture. This project will spur development along the route," he said.

The investor has already completed feasibility studies, and 43 homesteads will be relocated to make way for construction. Actual roadworks will commence after the rainy season.

Zwane Enterprises has assembled a team of experienced contractors with the necessary equipment to ensure the project's timely execution.

The road's design integrates tourism promotion for Matabeleland South, incorporating features that highlight the region's cultural and historical sites. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has partnered to ensure roads and airports support Zimbabwe's tourism sector.

Two toll gates will be installed along Old Gwanda Road as part of the Build-Operate-Transfer model.

This development is part of the Government's broader strategy to engage the private sector in major infrastructure projects, ensuring sustainable and modern transport networks across the country.