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Mukudzei Chingwere-Herald Reporter

Cabinet considered and adopted the proposed Public-Private Partnership between Government and Bitumen World for the immediate rebuild of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said yesterday.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting he said Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona presented the plans to Cabinet and the works on the road are set to start immediately to facilitate the quick return to the smooth flow of traffic.

Stakeholders, mainly in the tourism sector, had complained about the state of the Victoria Falls–Bulawayo Road which has hampered road movement between the country’s premier tourism destination, Victoria Falls, and the rest of the country.

“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,” said Dr Muswere.

“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,” said Dr Muswere.

Minister Mhona said President Mnangagwa had directed his Ministry to quickly find a lasting solution to these “problematic” roads.

“The feasibility study was done already. What we are saying here is not a talk show, you will see us on the ground,” said Minister Mhona.

“So, this is something that is going to happen immediately. The model that we are partaking in and the essence of working closely with the private sector as is expected by President Mnangagwa is what we are running as a ministry.

“I can assure you that you will see tremendous speed regarding the construction of these roads,” said Minster Mhona.