A 13-KILOMETRE stretch of the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road is set to be tarred under a phased rehabilitation programme, Southern Eye has established.
Site foreman John Rajah confirmed that work on the next phase of the project is underway, with preparations in place to begin tarring the newly cleared 13km section.
“We are progressing smoothly with no major challenges so far,” he said.
“The groundwork is set and we are ready to lay the tar.”
During a site inspection on Tuesday, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Richard Moyo emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum to complete the project on schedule.
“We are seeing first-hand the progress being made here,” he said.
“As long as the contractor stays on site and work continues without delay, we are confident this road will be completed as planned.”
Motorists and residents have welcomed the ongoing rehabilitation, noting that the improvements are already making a difference in travel safety and efficiency.
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“Repairs to this road are important as we use it frequently for both commercial and public transportation,” one motorist said.
A community member added: “This is a crucial route for us. We appreciate government’s commitment to upgrading this road.”
The Bulawayo-Nkayi Road serves as a critical link in Matabeleland North, connecting rural communities with urban centres and facilitating both public and commercial transport.
Construction of the road, which is in a sorry state, began in 1996, three years after the completion of feasibility studies.
The initial deadline for the construction of the road was 2009.
Former Vice-President Joice Mujuru once blamed hunger for government’s failure to finish constructing the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, saying billions of dollars meant for the project were diverted to feed hungry Zimbabweans.
Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu also defended government’s failure to work on the road, telling State media that the construction of the road was affected by sanctions as partners pulled out before the work was complete.
Critics, however, argue that government has never been serious in ensuring the completion of the project.
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona said the government was committed in ensuring the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road is trafficable, adding that his ministry had prioritised the project under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Project.
The rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road is one of several projects aimed at boosting regional connectivity and ensuring equitable development across provinces.
