2 contractors win 15km Bulawayo-Tsholotsho road tenders

Government has awarded tenders to two contractors to rehabilitate a 15-kilometre stretch of the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road, in a move expected to accelerate efforts to restore one of Matabeleland North's key transport corridors.

The contractors have each been allocated 7,5 kilometres of road works, with construction expected to begin soon.

The development was announced on Friday by Engineer Peace Harare of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development during a briefing for Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo ahead of the launch of the community-driven Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative (TRRI).

Eng Harare said the contractors had been appointed in accordance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act and would work on the section between Bulawayo and Nyamandlovu.

"The two contractors were appointed in terms of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act. They will do the road works over 15km from Bulawayo towards Nyamandlovu," he said.

The Government-funded project forms part of wider efforts to rehabilitate the strategic road, which links Bulawayo, Nyamandlovu and Tsholotsho.

The route is heavily used by commuters, transport operators, traders and farmers transporting people and goods between Tsholotsho and Bulawayo.

The road has deteriorated significantly over the years, resulting in longer travelling times, frequent vehicle breakdowns and rising maintenance costs for motorists and public transport operators.

The Government intervention will be complemented by a community-led initiative aimed at rehabilitating the broader 65-kilometre road.

The Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative has mobilised residents, members of the diaspora and other well-wishers to contribute financially and materially towards the project.

The programme, chaired by Botswana-based businessman Cephas Tshuma, was launched in response to growing concern over the deteriorating condition of the road and its impact on the movement of people, agricultural produce and essential goods.

Traditional leaders have welcomed the initiative, with Chief Mathuphula expressing support for the community's decision to take an active role in addressing infrastructure challenges affecting the district.

Reliable roads are particularly important to rural communities, providing access to schools, health facilities, markets and other essential services.

Transport operators have also welcomed the rehabilitation programme, saying improved road conditions would enhance safety, reduce vehicle maintenance costs and improve the efficiency of public transport services.

Bulawayo-Nyamandlovu-Tsholotsho Transport Association representative Parliament Mlingo said operators had suffered significant losses because of the poor state of the road.

"This is a massive development for the district and for us as transport operators. Our cars were constantly breaking down, which naturally chewed into our profits, but with this programme, it will improve the ease of doing business for us," he said.

Mlingo said the initiative demonstrated what communities could achieve by working together.

"This is a true demonstration of the saying ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo (a country is built by its owners). Communities can make a difference when they come together," he said.

He added that an efficient road network was fundamental to the growth of the transport industry.

"Transport business thrives with a proper road network, and we are now on the road towards that," he said.

The Government-funded works are expected to complement the community initiative, with local residents taking ownership of the development agenda while Government provides technical expertise and financial support.

The Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road is a key economic artery for the district, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, livestock, farming inputs and other goods between Tsholotsho and markets in Bulawayo.

Its rehabilitation is expected to improve connectivity, lower transport costs, enhance road safety and stimulate economic activity along the corridor.

The project also forms part of the Second Republic's infrastructure modernisation drive and Vision 2030 agenda, which seek to improve transport networks and promote inclusive economic development.

The Tsholotsho road rehabilitation programme has emerged as an example of Government-community collaboration, with public investment being reinforced by local resource mobilisation under the principle that ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.