By Kudakwashe Kutinyo
Contractors are working tirelessly to fast-track the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway, aiming to deliver a durable, long-lasting road that will bolster connectivity and economic activity in the region.
This vital artery—linking Zambia with key Zimbabwean cities—had suffered significant degrada-tion due to heavy usage and harsh weather conditions, intensified by its role as a major conduit for business and tourism traffic.
The rehabilitation project involves several contractors managing different sections of the highway, with well-planned detours so far established to minimise traffic disruptions. Construction is slated for completion by January 2026.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, underscored the critical importance of the road works to Zimbabwe’s revenue generation.
“The road rehabilitation programme is a great achievement for us. Accessibility to tourism hubs such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and other destinations along this route is key. We are also looking forward to extending the road to Beitbridge in the near future. This progress brings much optimism.”
She also highlighted the recent introduction of Fastjet flights as a boost to tourism and business travel:
“Fastjet’s new service brings much-needed relief for travellers to Bulawayo, Hwange, and Victoria Falls, especially as the main road undergoes major rehabilitation. Bulawayo is emerging as an im-portant tourist destination, previously underserved by air connectivity to Victoria Falls.”
On-site observations reveal significant progress on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Rehabilitation
Project. Currently, cement-stabilised base compaction is underway to establish a stronger founda-tion. This technique enhances the road’s durability and load-bearing capacity, ensuring it can with-stand heavy traffic and harsh weather while reducing maintenance and providing a smoother driv-ing experience.
Elsewhere, the Nkayi-Bulawayo route is nearing completion, with road priming in progress to up-grade the corridor for improved trade, safety, and connectivity. Under the vision of the Second Re-public, Nkayi is being transformed into a burgeoning tourist destination, leveraging its rich cultural heritage.
Key development initiatives include infrastructure upgrades, electrification, and economic em-powerment programs designed to stimulate the local economy.
The acceleration of these road rehabilitation projects promises enhanced accessibility, trade growth, tourism expansion, and overall regional development, marking significant milestones for Matabele-land North and Zimbabwe at large.
