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Innocent Ruwende Senior Reporter
Government has completed dualising a 12km stretch of the Harare-Bulawayo Road from Norton turn-off, which is expected to be officially opened by President Mnangagwa.

In an interview during a visit to the site where a bridge is being constructed, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza said a road over rail bridge along the same stretch was expected to be completed in four months.

Minister Matiza, who is on a countrywide tour of various road projects, visited projects in Mashonaland West, including the much awaited Alaska-Copper Queen Road.

He said the massive road programmes countrywide dovetail with the Second Republic’s commitment of attaining an Upper Middle-Income economy by 2030.

“Government has put in place an aggressive road construction and maintenance programme which all people can see,” said Minister Matiza.

“We need to follow the 2030 vision with a passion. We cannot continue to operate the old way. There is need for a change of mindset. We need to be efficient.

“We want to make sure our roads are the best in Southern Africa. There is a surge of activity in road construction that has never been experienced in this country. We are in the middle of heavy site work. We promised that all the roads which President spoke about in his manifesto are done.”

Minister Matiza said road construction had been stalled by fuel shortages, but the CMED has since been ordered to supply fuel and road equipment to local authorities to help speed up road infrastructure projects.

Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) board chairman Engineer Michael Madanha said the fund allocated $20 million to Mashonaland West for routine maintenance.

“We expect the money to be disbursed on a first-in-first-out basis. Zinara would like to see an improvement in your roads. Come and get your money the money is there. Those who are ready to work on the roads come and get your money,” he said.