Motorists welcome small progress on Bulawayo-Beitbridge road works

Motorists using the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road have welcomed progress on the resurfacing of a badly damaged section of the highway, with rehabilitation works between Mazunga and Mutetenwe nearing completion.

The roadworks are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce travel delays and ease the vehicle maintenance costs incurred by motorists using the affected stretch.

Drivers said the poor condition of the road had caused frequent breakdowns and increased wear and tear on vehicles, while heavy trucks and other commercial traffic faced additional challenges navigating the damaged section.

One motorist welcomed the government's intervention, saying the deteriorated road had created serious problems during the rainy season.

"We really applaud what the Government is currently doing in completing this stretch because during the rainy season our cars got stuck and thieves started attacking us and we lost our property, so what they are doing is a good job," the motorist said.

Another driver said resurfacing the road would reduce damage to vehicles and the costs associated with frequent repairs.

"The resurfacing of this road will save our cars from wear and tear because this stretch is giving us a lot of problems, breakdowns and other car-related problems," he said.

Truck drivers said the condition of the road had also created security risks, particularly when vehicles were forced to slow down or break down along the route.

"There was too much criminality that was now happening due to breakdowns and speed reduction; criminals would target us, jump into trailers and steal goods and would realise it when you arrive home that goods are missing," a truck driver said.

Another motorist said the improved road would make journeys safer and more predictable.

"This will help us to travel on time without any hassles because it will now be clean, thereby promoting even our safety," the motorist said.

The Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road is a major transport corridor linking Zimbabwe's southern region with Beitbridge and the wider regional trade network. The road has been neglected for a long period of time.

The resurfacing of the Mazunga-Mutetenwe section forms part of broader efforts to rehabilitate the country's road infrastructure and improve the movement of people and goods.

Motorists said completion of the works would bring much-needed relief to road users who have endured prolonged delays, vehicle damage and security concerns along the affected stretch.