Zimbabwe govt commissions Beitbridge maintenance camp

The Zimbabwean government has set-up a roads department maintenance unit (camp) in Beitbridge aimed at ensuring that all roads that were constructed or rehabilitated will remain in good condition.

So far there are one hundred and eight (108) maintenance units countrywide which fall under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, and government plans to resuscitate some of them. Plans are also underway to construct such units in provinces and districts where roads rehabilitation programmes are being undertaken.

This Thursday, the deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development and Matebeleland South Minister of State commissioned the road maintenance unit in Beitbridge.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, deputy Minister Sacco said that the camp will significantly enhance the government's (through Ministry of Transport) capacity to develop and maintain road infrastructure in the Beitbridge District of Matebeleland South Province.

"The road maintenance camp we are unveiling today will not only allow us to maintain and improve our road network more effectively, but will capacitate us to respond to emergencies more quickly, and ultimately provide a smoother, safer experience for every traveller on our roads," Sacco said.

"This is part of our broader vision to make sure that our infrastructure plays a pivotal role in realising the goals of Vision 2030. As most of you will be aware that earlier this year, the Ministry launched a comprehensive, multi-faceted programme designed to fully resuscitate the nation's network of maintenance camps," he added.

"This strategic initiative moves beyond simple refurbishment, focusing on a holistic upgrade that includes the procurement of state-of-the-art machinery, targeted recruitment and advanced training for personnel, and the digitalisation of maintenance scheduling and resource allocation. By equipping these camps with modern assets and skilled teams, the programme aims to shift our approach from reactive patchwork to proactive, predictive maintenance," Sacco said.

Sacco said this critical investment will not only extend the lifespan of vital road infrastructure, but also enhance commuter safety, boost economic productivity by reducing travel delays, and ultimately build a more resilient and reliable transportation system for all citizens.



Commissioning of the Beitbridge camp is a demonstration of the government's continued commitment towards realising its objective in improving and modernising infrastructure countrywide.

"By investing in state-of-the-art road maintenance units, we are taking an important step towards ensuring the safety and efficiency of our maintenance efforts. We are excited about the future and confident that these new units will be pivotal in improving our nation's infrastructure. But this is only one step in our ongoing journey," Sacco said.

Government remains focused on continuous investment in infrastructure, technology, and innovation, all of which will contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for our nation. Without proper maintenance, roads deteriorate rapidly, leading to increased costs, safety hazards, and disruptions to daily activities.

These units serve as the backbone of the country's transportation system, ensuring that our roads remain safe, functional, and durable through prompt response to address potholes, cracks and other surface defects that can cause accidents or damage to vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Matebeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe said claimed that the tour reflects government's shared commitment to improving connectivity, enhancing service delivery, and unlocking economic opportunities for several communities.

"We are proud to begin with the commissioning of the Department of Roads' new Road Maintenance Unit Camp - a strategic facility that will serve as a hub for road maintenance operations in Beitbridge District. This investment will greatly improve our responsiveness and efficiency in preserving our road assets especially for the newly constructed Beitbridge Masvingo Highway," Nguluvhe said.

"From here, we proceed to the 10km road reconstruction project along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge corridor, a critical national route that supports trade, movement and regional integration. It is our hope that your coming here will facilitate the expeditious completion of this project since it is not only a vital trade route, but also a VVIP road and Security Road as the Vice President, Kembo Dugish Campbell Mohadi regularly plies this section of the road where the detour is a nightmare to motorists," Nguluvhe said.

The media tour delegation will also (later today) visit the Gwanda-Maphisa 10km road construction project in Gwanda District. Completion of this road will improve access to healthcare, education and social services as well as  markets for rural communities who will be connected to the provincial capital.

The tour will conclude with a visit to the Plumtree-Maitengwe Border Post Road construction project in Bulilima District which is (road) vital for cross-border connectivity and will play a key role in facilitating trade and movement between Zimbabwe and Botswana.

A well-maintained road network supports trade, improves mobility and enhances citizens' quality of life. The government urges continued strengthening of road maintenance units with necessary resources, training and technology.