Edwin Moyo
SHURUGWI-The pothole infested Mhandamabwe-Shurugwi road that has been giving motorists nightmares is set for a major facelift, The Midweek Watch can reveal.
A ground breaking ceremony, spearheaded by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Felix Mhona was held in Shurugwi to mark the beginning of the rehabilitation of the road that links Gweru and the busiest inland port south of the Sahara, Beitbridge.
Speaking at the ground breaking event, Minister Mhona said the Shurugwi- Mhandamahwe road was of economic value to the nation as it reduces the distance between the third biggest city and the port of entry from the country’s biggest trading partner.
“The year 2024 has started on a high note and has signaled better things to come for the Midlands Province as our priority road has been targeted for reconstruction confirming the New Dispensation’s development approach of leaving no one and no place behind.
“Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe road holds significant economic prominence as an accelerator to the growth of Midlands Provincial GDP. It is our shortest, cost and time serving access lifeline route by road for our corporate and mining giants to international markets through South Africa and Mozambique.
“On the flip side it also serves as a link for goods and services destined for the region to countries like Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo. Furthermore, the road enhances people to people interaction ,unity and social cohesion as it provides the shortest route to sister Provinces of Masvingo, Manicaland and Matebeleland South,” he added.
Mhona further said the Shurugwi community and surrounding areas are set to benefit in terms of employment opportunities.
“In line with the Devolution and Decentralisation agenda, Shurugwi District stands to benefit from employment of locals and related contracts. We expect a boom in business due to increased incomes and changes to consumption styles and levels.
“We applaud and appreciate the Second Republic’s tangible and transformative development trajectory projected through signature projects and programmes by both State and Private Sectors among others.
“Dinson Iron and Steel Plant which has made Zimbabwe one of the steel making giants.
“Masvingo-Beitbridge road which fully meets regional road standards.” he added.
Midlands Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube said the province was set to attain industrialised upper middle economic status soon.
“Midlands Province is on course toward the attainment of an industrialized and knowledge driven upper middle income economy by leveraging on its human and natural resources endowments.
“I urge local authorities in particular to move with speed to repair and upgrade their infrastructure,” said Ncube.
