Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway progress update

Motorists and tourists travelling between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls are expected to enjoy a smoother and safer journey this festive season, as contractors working on the rehabilitation of the major highway report significant progress across multiple sections of the 435 km route.

The road upgrade - one of the country's most critical transport infrastructure projects - is being implemented by several local contractors under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development. Large portions are set to be completed and opened to the public ahead of the annual shutdown, improving travel flow along one of Zimbabwe's busiest tourism and commercial arteries.

During a media tour organised by the ministry, reporters observed notable progress at various points along the road, where different teams are deploying a range of construction strategies to accelerate delivery.

Syvern Pvt (Ltd) project manager, Arnold Mutungwazi, said work on their 51 km stretch is progressing according to schedule.

"We have since opened the first 5 km stretch for public use, and before the festive season shutdown another section will be availed," he said.

"According to our work plan, by August 2026 we should have completed the entire 51 km stretch assigned to us."

Masimba Construction project manager, Blessing Nhau, said motorists should experience improved traffic flow soon, as another 10 km section is being prepared for release.

"We have also repaired potholes on other sections to make driving easier. This has already improved vehicle transit as we work toward completion," he noted.

Fossil Contractors' representative, Kudakwashe Maguta, said further portions will be opened between December and February 2026, while Tensor Systems engineer Gerald Mutume confirmed they too will hand over completed segments in phases.

The combination of completed sections, ongoing surfacing and extensive pothole patching is expected to significantly improve movement during the peak travel season.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Joy Makumbe, said the project is not only rehabilitating key economic routes but also strengthening local contracting capacity.

"These are all local contractors. Apart from roads, we are also capacitating them. They now have graders, tippers, and all the machinery needed for road construction," Makumbe said.
"We do not need to look to the UK or South Africa when we have capable local talent that understands our terrain."

With tourism expected to surge during the holiday period, the partial reopening of the upgraded highway is anticipated to enhance safety, reduce travel time and support business activity along the corridor.

The full rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road remains ongoing, with contractors targeting completion of their allocated portions over the next two years.