Mnangagwa to commission new Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe highway

The Second Republic continues to achieve significant milestones in modernisation and infrastructure development, with President Mnangagwa expected to commission the newly-resurfaced Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Highway in Shurugwi today.

This road is viewed as a catalyst for enhancing transport movement along the southern corridor and has undergone substantial transformation to improve border-to-border connectivity.

The Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Highway primarily connects Beitbridge with other borders, including Chirundu and Nyamapanda. The 43-kilometre stretch had deteriorated to such an extent that cross-border trucks resorted to longer routes via Masvingo and Harare.

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube said all preparations were in place for the event, which he described as a major highlight of the Second Republic's infrastructure development drive at the national level. He emphasised that Government, under President Mnangagwa's leadership, is on track to achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

"I am sure many people know how important this highway is for connecting our border-to-border transport. Its completion and commissioning by the President tomorrow is testament to the Second Republic's commitment to achieving its Agenda 2030," said Minister Ncube.

He added that the opening of the road would catalyse increased transport movement along the southern corridor. "For years, this road posed challenges for motorists, affecting business and trade. We expect to witness a change and increased traffic movement along the corridor," he said.

Shurugwi South Member of Parliament Wilson Mhuri also highlighted the positive implications of the road's opening for the constituency and the nation. "This development will have a significant and positive impact on the development of our district," he said.