By Patience Shawarira
Work is progressing steadily on the Victoria Falls Highway road rehabilitation, with Bitumen World having opened a newly resurfaced 3.6km stretch from ZRP Hwange to Truck Stop. Bitumen World’s contract covers 51km of the vital Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, a key tourism and economic lifeline in Matabeleland North.
The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway reconstruction is pivotal in restoring smooth traffic flow to and from Zimbabwe’s premier tourist attraction, Victoria Falls, which also connects the country with regional neighbours including South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia.
The Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) involves eight construction companies working under a Public-Private Partnership, to deliver a safer, more durable thoroughfare spanning 435 kilometers by February 2026.
This extensive project will enhance transit traffic and bolster cross-border trade significantly. Matabeleland North Province Engineer Peace Harare from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is happy with the work done to date.
“The 3.6km section is in addition to the 10 kilometers already completed under the contract, bringing a total of 14 kilometers out of 32 done so far. The contractor has committed to completing construction on time,” Harare said, adding: “by the time the rain season finishes, we hope the contractors will have finished another 10km of road construction.”
Government assurances highlight accelerated progress, with upgrades facilitating both local and international travel, spurring job creation, and boosting tourism. The project is not just a local necessity but a strategic investment in Zimbabwe’s growth, promising reliable access, enhanced safety, and significant economic opportunities for communities along the route.
New Ziana
