Bulawayo - Victoria Falls road rehab faces slow progress

Rehabilitation work on the 440-kilometre Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is progressing slowly, with only 47.5km currently opened to traffic. The road is a critical artery linking Zimbabwe with Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana, supporting trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

The Government expects the project to be completed by the end of 2026, with all eight contractors currently on site. Last week, Cabinet ministers toured the highway to assess progress, opening a new 5km stretch at Cross Jotsholo completed by contractor Tensor Systems.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, who led the delegation, said the tour aimed to monitor contractor performance and ensure timely completion. He was joined by Matabeleland North Minister of State Richard Moyo, provincial roads engineer Xolani Ncube, and senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, led by Chief Director Engineer David Jana.

"As you are aware, we conducted similar tours in Gwanda and Maphisa last week," Minister Mhona told journalists. "But I am happy with the works witnessed here at Cross Jotsholo. In line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's mantra of leaving no place and no one behind, these projects are crucial for road accessibility and regional development."

Minister Moyo added that the province was pleased with the work, noting that contractors had created jobs for locals. "All contractors are in the second phase, each handling 10km stretches. If they complete as promised, we will have 80km completed after one month," he said.

The rehabilitation project forms part of the Government's Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP II), which aims to modernise national highways and key feeder roads. Initially, five contractors — Fossil Contracting, Masimba Holdings, Syvern Investment, Bitumen Resources, and Tensor Systems — were awarded sections of the road, with three more added later to fast-track completion near Victoria Falls.

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road serves as a vital link for trade, tourism, and access to the Kazungula Bridge and the wider SADC transport network. Once completed, the road is expected to reduce travel time, improve safety, and strengthen Zimbabwe's position as a regional logistics and tourism hub.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Engineer Joy Makumbe, previously noted that while weather may pose challenges, contractors are committed to continuing critical works where feasible, ensuring the highway meets world-class standards for trade and tourism traffic.