By Staff Reporter
Harare – The Zimbabwean government has given the green light to Bitumen World to commence reconstruction work on key sections of the heavily damaged Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road.
Under a public-private partnership, the renowned civil engineering company will recoup its costs through road toll fees.
Information minister Jenfan Muswere, announced this development during a post cabinet briefing on Tuesday, following Transport minister Felix Mhona’s presentation on plans to rehabilitate the strategic highway.
“Cabinet advises that plans are underway to upgrade, rehabilitate, widen, and dualise certain sections of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road through a Public-Private Partnership with Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd under a Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer contract,” Muswere said.
“The rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road will enhance the movement of transit traffic, thereby making this route the most preferred along the North South Corridor, connecting Zimbabwe to South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.
“In addition, financial arrangements have been concluded for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of other roads including Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane Road; Bulawayo-Nkayi Road; and Karoi-Binga Cross Dete Road.
“All these roads will start immediately,” Muswere added.
The rehabilitation of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is particularly significant as it is a vital route for trade and tourism in the region.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s premier tourism destination, attracts both local and international visitors year-round.
However, the road’s deplorable condition has been a major deterrent for many prospective visitors who prefer to travel by road.
The road’s rehabilitation will also enhance access to Hwange National Game Park, the country’s largest wildlife habitat.
With the road set to be restored to a more passable state, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in vehicular traffic and a corresponding rise in tollgate fees.
