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President Mnangagwa has arrived in Shurugwi where he is expected to commission the newly resurfaced Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Highway in Shurugwi district, Midlands Province, as the Second Republic continues to register significant milestones in infrastructural development as envisaged by the National Development Strategy 1.
The road connects Beitbridge with other borders, including Chirundu and Nyamapanda.
The Head of State and Government is expected to first unveil a plaque along the Highway at Chachacha
Business Centre, signifying the commencement of the use of that road before heading for Mlandapi Business Centre where he will deliver his address.
His Excellency now at Chachacha
President Mnangagwa has arrived at Chachacha Shopping Centre in Shurugwi where he will cut the
ribbon and unveil a plaque to commission the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road.
The commissioning of the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe highway is part of the Second Republic’s elaborate plans to stimulate economic growth, anchored on infrastructural development, particularly improving the road network to enhance connectivity.
President satisfied with Second Republic’s progress
President Mnangagwa has unveiled a plaque that signifies the resumption of the resurfaced road’s use.
In a brief interview soon after unveiling the plaque, President Mnangagwa expressed excitement at the milestones that the Second Republic continues to register saying it will not relent to move on the
development trajectory that will revolutionalise communities and the lives of ordinary people.
He said he grew up in the area as a young boy and is aware of how bad the roads and other social amenities were.
“We would have one school here, for example, and another school in a different district. So I am happy with the milestones being registered under the Second Republic,” he said.
Bumper crowd welcomes the President
President Mnangagwa has arrived at Mkandapi Business Centre where he is expected to address a huge crowd gathered to celebrate the commissioning of the Shurugwi Mhandamabwe highway.
Upon his arrival, the President got a standing ovation from the bumper crowd.
The ecstatic crowd began to swell as early as 8am.
Popular musician Chief Hwenje, who recently returned from India where he had gone for medical treatment, kept the people entertained as they waited for President Mnangagwa’s arrival.
Midlands Minister hails President Mnangagwa
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Owen “Mudha” Ncube is now on the podium.
He outlines the significance of the road project, which he said was completed in a record five months ahead of the envisaged timeframe.
Minister Ncube hailed President Mnangagwa saying he has lived to his word from the day he took the oath of office during his initial inauguration where he pledged to transform communities.
He said the milestones remain glaring, notwithstanding the illegal sanctions imposed on the country.
Minister Ncube outlined several other projects in various sectors that President Mnangagwa has initiated in Midlands Province
Community welcomes development
A villager, only identified as Mrs Maramwidze, is invited to give a testimony to the significance of the road resurfacing.
She outlined how bad the road had become, and the adverse impact it had on vehicles, among other vices occasioned by the poor road.
Transport Minister highlights recent road projects
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona now on stage.
He commends President Mnangagwa’s leadership that has produced wonders despite sanctions that would have ordinarily impeded development.
Minister Mhona outlined several road projects that have been carried out and completed, coupled with those under construction.
Some of them include Bulawayo Nkayi, Harare-Nyamapanda, and Beitbridge-Gwanda Roads, among others.
Minister Mhona ends speech by inviting President Mnangagwa to the podium.
Roads are a key economic enabler: President Mnangagwa
In his address, President Mnangagwa said the road projects that the Government has embarked on are not meant for the country alone but for the region as a whole.
He said the transport sector is a huge enabler for economic growth.
“There is a need to provide an efficient transport system to enable people to access markets and promote regional integration.
“Because of modernisation, it is now possible to travel from Shurugwi to Gweru and return in a few hours,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said this can only be accomplished by indigenous Zimbabweans working together.
“No other person outside Zimbabwe will come to develop Zimbabwe,” he said.
He also said Zimbabwe cannot grow in isolation but should collaborate with other neighbouring countries for development.
President’s passionate plea
His Excellency, President Mnangagwa made a passionate appeal to motorists to drive responsibly as the country approaches the festive season.
He warned drivers to desist from driving under the influence of alcohol.
President Mnangagwa said there is a need to uphold the country’s traffic laws and to respect the sanctity of human life
