Govt says Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway deadline remains unchanged

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway, with contractors remaining on site despite funding-related challenges that have slowed progress on some sections of the project.

The strategic 450-kilometre highway, originally constructed in the 1960s, has deteriorated significantly over the years, raising safety concerns for motorists and affecting the efficient movement of people and goods. The Second Republic has identified the road as one of its flagship infrastructure projects due to its importance to tourism, trade and regional connectivity.

To accelerate rehabilitation works, Government divided the project into several sections and awarded contracts to eight construction companies, with funding being mobilised through local resources.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, said all contractors remain active along the route despite delays in the release of some funds.

"All the contractors are still on site as Government forges ahead with the completion of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road. The scale of work might have decreased a bit while the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development works with the Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion to release outstanding funds for the contractors," he said.

"Our timelines to complete the rehabilitation project by the end of the year have not changed."

The Minister acknowledged that funding constraints had affected the pace of work in some areas but stressed that Government remains committed to meeting its completion target.

He said the phased approach being adopted by Government has already delivered results on other key infrastructure projects, citing the successful completion of the Bulawayo–Inyathi Road.

"Government took a deliberate move to rehabilitate our roads in phases, as and when local resources become available, unlike the old model where we waited for Treasury to budget for the full amount required for the upgrade of each major road," said Moyo.

Work has now progressed beyond Inyathi towards Nkayi Business Centre, with contractors continuing operations on the Bulawayo–Nkayi Road, another critical route in Matabeleland.

According to Moyo, the road upgrade will improve road safety while stimulating economic activity in communities located along the corridor.

"The rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Nkayi Road will not only make the road safer for motorists, but will also open up new opportunities for local businesses and logistics," he said.

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road is one of Zimbabwe's most important transport arteries, linking the country's second-largest city with the tourism hub of Victoria Falls. It also serves as a vital corridor for regional trade, connecting traffic from Beitbridge and other parts of Southern Africa to northern markets.

Given its strategic importance, the road carries substantial volumes of tourist, commercial and cross-border traffic throughout the year. Government officials say upgrading the highway is essential not only for improving safety and reducing travel times but also for supporting tourism growth and broader economic development.

While funding challenges remain, authorities insist the rehabilitation programme remains on course and that efforts are continuing to secure the resources needed to ensure completion of the project by year-end.