News / National
Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road reconstruction begins
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The Government has launched the long-anticipated reconstruction of the 435-kilometre Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, a vital economic and tourism corridor, with expectations that the project will create over 2,000 jobs. Most of the workforce is set to be recruited from communities located along the route, offering a significant economic boost to local areas.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Ministry spokesperson Ms Judith Nhau confirmed that five contractors have now moved on site and commenced work. The companies involved in the project are Fossil Contracting, Masimba Contracting, Syvern Investments, Bitumen Resources, and Tensor Systems. Each contractor has been allocated a 50-kilometre stretch of the road to upgrade, starting from the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo statue in Bulawayo's city centre and extending all the way to Victoria Falls.
Ms Nhau said the project was not only strategic in boosting regional trade and tourism but also a critical investment in infrastructure that would have a long-term positive impact on Zimbabwe's economy. She noted that the contractors were operating under stringent conditions, which include completing the roadworks within ten months, complying with SADC road design standards, adhering to environmental protection regulations monitored by the Environmental Management Agency, and prioritising local employment and procurement.
Work is already underway, with significant progress reported on several sections of the road. Fossil Contracting has cleared a four-kilometre detour from the 48.6-kilometre peg. Masimba Contracting has cleared five kilometres between the 85km and 90km pegs. Syvern Investments has also cleared five kilometres between the 99.6km and 104km markers. Bitumen Resources has made headway by clearing 4.2 kilometres from the 201.6km mark heading toward the 191km peg, while Tensor Systems has cleared a five-kilometre section between the 201.6km and 211.6km points.
The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is a critical lifeline for the tourism industry, linking Zimbabwe's second-largest city to its premier international tourist destination. Over the years, the road had fallen into disrepair, causing long travel times, increased vehicle damage, and deterring both local and international travellers.
With construction now underway, communities along the road are anticipating improved transport networks, greater economic activity, and more job opportunities. The project is also expected to facilitate smoother regional connectivity, supporting cross-border trade between Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.
Ms Nhau assured the public that the Ministry will continue to monitor progress closely and provide regular updates, noting that the project represents a landmark moment in Zimbabwe's infrastructure development efforts.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Ministry spokesperson Ms Judith Nhau confirmed that five contractors have now moved on site and commenced work. The companies involved in the project are Fossil Contracting, Masimba Contracting, Syvern Investments, Bitumen Resources, and Tensor Systems. Each contractor has been allocated a 50-kilometre stretch of the road to upgrade, starting from the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo statue in Bulawayo's city centre and extending all the way to Victoria Falls.
Ms Nhau said the project was not only strategic in boosting regional trade and tourism but also a critical investment in infrastructure that would have a long-term positive impact on Zimbabwe's economy. She noted that the contractors were operating under stringent conditions, which include completing the roadworks within ten months, complying with SADC road design standards, adhering to environmental protection regulations monitored by the Environmental Management Agency, and prioritising local employment and procurement.
Work is already underway, with significant progress reported on several sections of the road. Fossil Contracting has cleared a four-kilometre detour from the 48.6-kilometre peg. Masimba Contracting has cleared five kilometres between the 85km and 90km pegs. Syvern Investments has also cleared five kilometres between the 99.6km and 104km markers. Bitumen Resources has made headway by clearing 4.2 kilometres from the 201.6km mark heading toward the 191km peg, while Tensor Systems has cleared a five-kilometre section between the 201.6km and 211.6km points.
The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is a critical lifeline for the tourism industry, linking Zimbabwe's second-largest city to its premier international tourist destination. Over the years, the road had fallen into disrepair, causing long travel times, increased vehicle damage, and deterring both local and international travellers.
With construction now underway, communities along the road are anticipating improved transport networks, greater economic activity, and more job opportunities. The project is also expected to facilitate smoother regional connectivity, supporting cross-border trade between Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.
Ms Nhau assured the public that the Ministry will continue to monitor progress closely and provide regular updates, noting that the project represents a landmark moment in Zimbabwe's infrastructure development efforts.
Source - The Herald
