_Forward Everywhere_ *Five contractors selected to upgrade Byo–Vic Falls Road* Advertise with us WhatsApp +263 77 443 4698 Ngatibatane pa WhatsApp Channel 👇🏾 *View and Follow and Share this channel* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJEcyNDTkK81mXyWB0s Government has named five contractors who are now on site and rehabilitating the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road. So far, detours are being constructed along the stretch. Recently, the Government awarded contracts to five local companies to undertake the massive 435-kilometre project that is expected to boost tourism and regional trade. The stretch, which connects Bulawayo to the country’s prime tourism hub, Victoria Falls, has been posing safety risks to road users and negatively impacting economic activity in Matabeleland North Province. In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed the development. “The rehabilitation and upgrading of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is progressing well, with five contractors actively working on designated sections (Lots 1 to 5). “Detours are being opened to ensure smooth traffic flow when construction commences.” According to the ministry, the detours are essential for safety by keeping motorists and workers safe during construction; efficiency by allowing contractors to work faster without disrupting traffic; and ensuring the new road is built to last. The ministry said Lot 1 is being done by Fossil Contracting (4km bush clearing done for detour construction from the 48,6km peg), Lot 2 — Masimba Construction (5 km bush clearing done on the detour construction from the 85km to 90km peg), Lot 3 — Syvern Investment (5km bush clearing done between the 99,6km to 104km peg), Lot 4 — Bitumen Resources (4,2km bush clearing extending from chainage 201,6km toward 191km), and Lot 5 — Tensor Systems (5km bush clearing from 201,6km towards the 211.6km peg). “We appreciate the cooperation of all road users during this essential infrastructure upgrade. Motorists are advised to adhere to posted signage and exercise caution in construction zones,” the ministry said. Last week, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed that detours had been constructed in the Bernice Area, Cross Jotsholo, and Insuza in Matabeleland North. The Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, recently said, “From eight contractors that applied to carry out this crucial work, the Government selected five. We are grateful to President Mnangagwa for prioritising this highway, which is vital for the province’s economy.” The project is expected to take about 10 months to complete and will be carried out in phases, with contractors working on specific sections of the road in a coordinated kilometre-by-kilometre approach. The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road is one of the country’s key national highways and a vital regional corridor that links the country to Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. It serves thousands of domestic travellers and international tourists each year. The road is also essential for the movement of goods between southern Zimbabwe and the north-western regions, including the Hwange coalfields and surrounding mining and agricultural zones. Over the years, however, the route has become notorious for its potholes, eroded shoulders, and narrow lanes, prompting calls from residents, tourism operators, and cross-border transporters for urgent intervention. The Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, has continued to prioritise infrastructural development countrywide under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP2) and various other initiatives, which have transformed the economy as well as creating employment and bringing joy among citizens. The President has invested significantly in infrastructural development as a key enabler of economic transformation, despite limited access to external lines of credit. So far, more than 50,000 km of roads have been rehabilitated, while 2,000 structures have been attended to since the start of the ERRP2 in 2021. The Government is also in the process of negotiating with potential investors for the rehabilitation of some of the country’s roads. Recently, the Government secured new equipment, including tractors, to resuscitate road maintenance units across the country. This effort seeks to ensure consistent monitoring and maintenance of road reconstruction under the ERRP2, reflecting the Second Republic’s commitment to infrastructure development. In addition to reviving road maintenance units, plans are underway to establish asphalt plants nationwide to complement these efforts. The resuscitation of road maintenance units is a crucial step in strengthening the country’s infrastructure, which is vital for achieving the vision of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030. Road construction is recognised as a key economic enabler, and these initiatives aim to support sustainable development across the nation.