Masvingo to complete outstanding road projects this year

MASVINGO Province plans to complete all outstanding road projects which are key for
inclusive development in the province.
The Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, was
speaking after the opening of the 10km dualisation section into Masvingo City from Harare,
to traffic as part of the Harare-Beitbridge road network.
At least nine projects that are underway in the province include the Bhuka-Mashava, Makwi-
Neshuro, Gutu-Kurai, Gutu-Buhera and the Zimuto-Chatsworth roads and the resealing of the
Nyika-Zaka and Masvingo-Mutare roads.
Also being undertaken is the construction of the Rutenga-Zvishavane road, while the
completion of the Chiredzi Urban roads is earmarked to be completed by the end of this year.
“Road connectivity is key for inclusive development. Roads promote access to economic and
social services with positive effects on agricultural employment and productivity in rural and
urban areas. They also facilitate internal and external market integration,” he said.
Under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP2) the road projects that were
completed last year are the resealing of the 10km Chivhu-Lothian, 20km Ngundu-Tanganda,
10km Lothian-Triangle and that of the 25,93km Masvingo City urban roads.
Meanwhile, the province last year received $1, 2 billion in devolution funds, which were used
for the construction of clinics and schools. The province has to date completed over 170
projects and many more are at varying stages of completion.
“Local authorities in Masvingo province were allocated a total $1, 8 billion for capital
projects and have received $1, 2 million. These devolution funds were used to recapitalise
local authorities and in the process accelerating Vision 2030 attainment. I applaud our
visionary leader, His Excellency the President Cde E.D Mnangagwa, for bringing devolution
closer to the people by strengthening the office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs
and Devolution.
The office has been capacitated with the appointment of the Secretary for Provincial Affairs
and Devolution to account for day-to-day business in the office of the Minister of State for
Provincial Affairs and Devolution, the Governance Co-ordination competencies, Economic
Affairs and investment competencies, Infrastructure planning competencies, Finance,
Administration and Human Resources competencies. These competencies headed by
directors make co-ordination of all governance business and development processes taking
place in the province better,” said Chadzamira.