Harare-Mazowe road dualisation opens key sections

Published: 1 hour ago

A major milestone in Zimbabwe's road infrastructure upgrade was achieved yesterday with the opening of a 3.3km stretch of the Harare-Mazowe road dualisation project, bringing relief to motorists long burdened by congestion along the busy route.

The section was officially commissioned by a high-level delegation led by Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, the ministry's Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe, and senior officials from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA).

In remarks delivered on behalf of Transport Minister Felix Mhona, the project was described as more than just a road expansion, but part of a vision to transform the corridor into a modern dual carriageway extending all the way to the Kanyemba Border Post in northeast Zimbabwe.

"This project represents a key that will unlock immense potential for Zimbabwe, transforming a neglected corridor into a vibrant economic route," Mhona said.

He underscored the project's benefits in positioning Zimbabwe as a strategic transit hub within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), offering the shortest route from Harare to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The upgraded road is also expected to support the movement of minerals and agricultural produce from surrounding districts.

The contractor, Exodus and Company, which began work in February last year, was praised for its progress. Project director Engineer Alex Mashangu reaffirmed the company's commitment to seeing the dualisation through to Kanyemba.

ZINARA chairperson Dr George Manyaya assured that funding for such projects remains secure, revealing that ZIG6.1 billion had already been disbursed this year for road works across the country.

The development forms part of the broader Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP2), under which more than 50,000km of roads have been rehabilitated and reconstructed since 2021.

For commuters and businesses, the newly opened stretch offers safer and quicker travel, while for Zimbabwe at large, the project is seen as a vital artery for unlocking trade, investment, and economic growth across northern regions and beyond.
- The Herald

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