By Ndinatsei Mavodza
With over 80 percent of the Harare-Beitbridge highway now completed and open to traffic, the government has announced a final deadline of end-2025 for the full rehabilitation of this critical North-South corridor. The remaining work, including urban dualisation, bridge construction, and interchanges, is slated for completion to enhance regional trade and safety.
This was revealed by Exavier Chisoko, who was representing Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe, at the commissioning of a completed 5km section of the Harare-Masvingo reconstruction, upgrading, and widening project. It was mentioned that about 402 kilometers of the road have been completed.
“I am pleased to report that 492 km of the 580km stretch, has been completed and opened to traffic. The remaining 88km of rehabilitation, the dualization of urban sections in Harare and in Masvingo, the construction of grade-separated junctions including the trumpet interchange at Masvingo Polytechnic connecting the Masvingo bypass on the Masvingo-Beitbridge road, the new Mucheke-Chevron Bridge—which will cater for northbound traffic while the existing bridge caters for southbound traffic—and the installation of street lighting are all to be completed this year,” said Chisoko.
Chisoko emphasized that the upgrading of the road network is a crucial project for the nation and the SADC region, enhancing both trade and travel experiences.
“This will finalize a truly efficient North-South bound corridor that will serve not only Zimbabwe but the entire SADC region. The Harare-Masvingo road project is therefore not merely an upgrade of asphalt and concrete; it is a national strategic imperative. It enhances the crucial corridor, improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and most importantly, saving lives.
“The 5km section we opened today, and the project as a whole, will catalyze economic activity across the province by providing a reliable, world-class transport link. It unlocks immense potential in agriculture, tourism, and commerce,” said Chisoko.
Masimba Holdings, which is constructing the Mucheke and Chimusana bridges, contract manager Marlvin Mnemo reported that completion of the Mucheke Bridge near Chevron Hotel in Masvingo is nearing completion, with the bridge expected to be opened to users by the end of November.
“Most of the work being done in Masvingo town is at 84 percent completion, and this includes a bypass which is 2.4km. The bypass includes the construction of structures like bridges and interchanges, which will assist in reducing congestion in Masvingo. The structures include a bridge at Chevron Hotel, which we are expecting to be opened to traffic at the end of November. Vehicles coming from South Africa will be using this bridge, and traffic to South Africa will use the existing bridge.
“Another bridge will be constructed at Chimusana, and an interchange at Masvingo Poly,” said Mnemo.
In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa said the project is important for enhancing the provincial economy.
“This development typifies the seriousness of the second republic under the astute leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa; it resonates with our own objectives as a province. As a province, we are looking at enhancing our provincial economy, and we cannot talk about enhancing our provincial economy without the requisite infrastructure development, without a good road network,” said Dr. Pazvakavambwa.
