MARTIN MAWAYA 0772246840
MBERENGWA—The newly surfaced 30km Ngungumbane–Mataga road is expected to boost trade and ease movement in Mberengwa after Government commissioned the ZWG$8,5 million project this morning, amid renewed focus on rural infrastructure development under the Second Republic.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at Matedzi Business Centre, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said the road would cut transport costs, improve access to markets and social services and stimulate local economic activity.
“The road will unlock economic opportunities by facilitating trade, tourism and investment while creating jobs for local communities,” Ncube said, adding that the project was fully funded by Government and implemented by local contractor Road Trackers through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development.
He said the project aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 infrastructure pillar, which prioritises the upgrading and maintenance of key transport networks as Zimbabwe targets an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
Ncube said improved transport infrastructure remained central to economic growth and industrialisation, noting that the Midlands Province had benefitted from several major road and bridge projects since the advent of the Second Republic in 2017.
These include the rehabilitation of the Shurugwi Mhandamabwe Road, resurfacing of the Kwekwe-Zhombe Road, road works in Gokwe and Mberengwa under Independence legacy projects, and the construction of rural bridges such as Phoenix Dam Bridge in Mberengwa and Manhize-Munyati Bridge in Chirumhanzu.
The former security minister said government will continue rolling out equitable infrastructure development across the province to improve livelihoods and support devolution.
He reaffirmed the province’s support for government’s vision 2030 agenda, saying the goal of a prosperous and empowered society was attainable through sustained investment in infrastructure.
