Business Reporter
Transport Minister Felix Mhona Friday officially opened a newly completed section of the Harare–Mazowe highway between Christon Bank and Blueridge today, calling it a crucial development for restoring one of Zimbabwe’s most important economic corridors.
The newly upgraded stretch is part of an extensive programme aimed at modernising key highways linking Harare to northern regions with significant agricultural and commercial activity. The improvement is set to ease congestion, enhance road safety, and boost the movement of goods and commuters along a route vital to the nation’s economy.
“We are excited to mark the completion of this section between Christon Bank and Blueridge, and we are committed to continuing these works up to Mazowe. Additionally, we will be relocating the tollgate further along the route,” Mhona stated at the opening ceremony.
The Harare–Mazowe road is not just a major commuter route; it’s a vital connection between the capital and key farming hubs, mining areas, and growth points in Mashonaland Central. Over the years, its deteriorating condition—characterised by potholes, traffic bottlenecks, and increased accident risks—has been a major challenge for motorists and transport operators.
The completion of the Christon Bank–Blueridge stretch represents a significant improvement, promising smoother travel, lower vehicle operating costs, and better logistics for businesses relying on this corridor.
Mhona confirmed that construction would extend further north, signalling that this upgrade is part of a long-term effort to transform the entire highway, rather than a series of isolated repairs.
In a move aimed at relieving congestion, he also announced that the highway’s tollgate, which has long been a point of frustration for drivers, would be moved further along the road.
The tollgate, located close to Harare, has often created a daily bottleneck, slowing down traffic and frustrating road users. Its relocation is expected to improve traffic flow while ensuring continued funding for road development projects.
In recent years, Zimbabwe has ramped up efforts to revitalise its transportation infrastructure, which had suffered from decades of underinvestment. The Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme and other key highway projects have focused on major routes like the Harare–Beitbridge highway, the Harare–Mutare road, and essential feeder roads that serve farming and mining regions.
Government officials argue that infrastructure improvements are critical to economic recovery. By reducing transport costs, improving regional trade competitiveness, and attracting investment, these upgrades are seen as key to the nation’s growth.
The government has also introduced performance-based construction models, which prioritise the durability and long-term maintenance of roads over short-term fixes.
“The contractor is responsible for both constructing and maintaining the road to ensure it lasts,” Mhona explained, emphasising the government’s focus on ensuring infrastructure is built to stand the test of time.
