Govt tightens oversight of contractors on key Bulawayo-Maphisa road project

Government has intensified monitoring of contractors rebuilding the strategic Bulawayo–Maphisa highway, with Transport Minister Felix Mhona warning that companies will be held accountable for the quality, pace, and technical standards of the work.

Speaking during an inspection tour this week, Mhona said authorities were closely scrutinising contractors' methods to ensure adherence to engineering requirements and long-term durability standards.

"And I am happy that as you then move, seeing the work ethic of our contractors. Where we are saying it's not just 24-7. I am happy that you have seen the contractors — they are also ready and they must be accountable to whatever they do," he said.

The Bulawayo–Maphisa route is a key economic corridor linking Zimbabwe's second-largest city with districts in Matebeleland South, supporting movement of agricultural produce, livestock, and mining inputs, and feeding into regional trade routes. Sections of the highway have long been plagued by potholes and structural failures, raising transport costs and slowing freight movement.

Mhona emphasised that contractors must follow proper engineering procedures rather than rely on short-term fixes that reduce the road's lifespan. Engineers accompanying the minister noted that asphalt overlays were being used to restore surface quality on moderately damaged sections, while deeper structural work was applied where necessary.

"We are here today to interrogate how they do this — whether they are doing asphalt overlay, whether they are reconstructing," Mhona said. "We are here to interrogate the process. Contractors must remain accountable at every stage of the project."

The government has increasingly relied on local contractors for road rehabilitation as part of a broader infrastructure strategy aimed at improving logistics networks and lowering business costs. Mhona said the Bulawayo–Maphisa contractors had shown encouraging commitment but stressed that readiness alone would not suffice; results on the ground would ultimately determine success.

Analysts note that the stricter oversight reflects lessons from past projects, where weak supervision led to substandard work and rapid road deterioration. For communities and businesses in Matebeleland South, the highway's condition directly affects the movement of goods to processing centres and export markets.

Government officials have pledged to continue on-site inspections throughout the construction process to ensure both quality and progress, with the aim of delivering a durable road capable of supporting heavy traffic and withstanding harsh weather over the long term.