Business Reporter
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Adv. Felix Mhona, conducted an inspection tour of the ongoing Gwanda-Maphisa Road Rehabilitation Project on Thursday, highlighting significant progress in alignment with the project’s specifications and timeline.
This rehabilitation effort is part of a broader infrastructure improvement initiative within Matabeleland South Province, which gained further momentum following Cabinet’s decision to host the 2026 Independence celebrations at the Maphisa Open Grounds.
The Gwanda-Maphisa Road is a crucial transport corridor, connecting several districts and linking key economic areas, including the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) Antelope Estate, the Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts, and notable tourism sites in the Matobo Hills region.
During the site visit, Minister Mhona expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, emphasizing that the road works are in line with the broader goal of improving national infrastructure and fostering regional connectivity.
“This project exemplifies the engineering and construction efforts of the Second Republic, aimed at the sustainable development of national infrastructure. The Gwanda-Maphisa Road rehabilitation is a key component of our commitment to improving the nation’s connectivity and addressing regional disparities,” said Mhona. “In line with President Mnangagwa’s commitment to inclusive development, this project will benefit all Zimbabweans, ensuring no region is left behind.”
He further urged the contractors to maintain high operational efficiency and adhere to engineering standards to deliver a robust and high-quality road infrastructure. The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing monitoring to ensure the project’s success and timely completion.
Project Scope and Technical Details:
Matabeleland South Provincial Roads Engineer, Mangisi Nkomo, provided a detailed breakdown of the project’s current progress, specifying the stages of work being carried out on the 114-kilometer road:
– 23rd Avenue (Bulawayo Metropolitan Area):
Reconstruction and asphalt overlay on a 5 km stretch, executed by Zada Construction.
-8 km to 24 km peg: Asphalt overlay works on an additional 16 km, with 5 km already completed by Asphalt Products.
-34 km to 98 km peg: Reconstruction of a 63 km stretch, divided into seven 9 km sections, being managed by multiple contractors.
– 98 km peg to Maphisa: A 16.4 km section receiving asphalt overlay, with work being performed by Masimba Holdings.
– Maphisa to Matobo/Maphisa Junction Area: A 6 km reconstruction section being undertaken by Dikub Construction.
Contractors Involved:
The contractors responsible for executing the project include Derivative Resources, Geoflakes, JR Goddard, Troling Civil Engineers, Baidu, Masimba Holdings, and Osapis, who are all contributing to the multi-phase development of the road.
This initiative reflects a strategic effort to enhance both regional infrastructure and the national road network, which are integral to economic growth, accessibility, and connectivity in Zimbabwe.
