More should invest in Zimbabwe’s infrastructural development

THE upgrading of the 120km Bulawayo-Old Gwanda Road is expected to start soon after Government and the contractor, Zwane Enterprises Private Limited on Tuesday finally signed the long-awaited concession agreement.

Cabinet approved the construction of the road in May last year but work could not start before the signing of the concession agreement between Government and the contractor, Zwane Enterprises.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development permanent secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe signed the agreement on behalf of Government while Zwane Enterprises was represented by its chief executive officer, Eng Bekithemba Mbambo.

The project estimated to cost $150 million is being implemented under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement.

Speaking after the signing of the agreement, Eng Mbambo said preparatory work for the Public-Private Partnership project will start soon. The project involves upgrading, construction and tolling of the 120km stretch joining Bulawayo City and Gwanda town via Matobo.

Eng Mbambo said last year that he had secured US$150 million loan from an American partner to fund the project.

The road which passes through Matopo High School is in a terrible state hence Eng Mbambo approached Government seeking its approval for his company to upgrade the road under BOT.

He said now that an agreement has been signed, it’s all systems go and work will start soon. The construction of the road which will have two tollgates, is expected to be completed in 12 months.

Eng Mbambo said although the waiting has been long, they were happy that they have finally been given the green light to start work following the signing of the concession agreement on Tuesday.

More than 40 homesteads will be relocated to pave way for the construction of the road. Zwane Enterprises will recoup its costs from the tolling fees.

Eng Mbambo is among Zimbabwean professionals that have gained valuable experience working in the diaspora and has returned home to help build the country.

Government has appealed to Zimbabwean professionals working in the diaspora to return home and contribute to the building of the Zimbabwe we all want. Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo (Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo). We want to commend Eng Mambo and other Zimbabwean professionals that have returned home to contribute to the development of their country.

Government announced last year that it is engaging the private sector to construct major roads across the country under the BOT arrangement.

We therefore call upon other companies to come on board and invest in infrastructural development like what Zwane Enterprises is doing.

Related Posts

SADC to intensify DRC peace efforts

Wallace Ruzvidzo, Harare Bureau SADC stands ready to intensify efforts to protect its citizens from all forms of instability, and ensure lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo…

‘Sadc a staunch advocate for DRC peace’

Ivan Zhakata, Harare Bureau SADC has condemned the escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, reaffirming the regional bloc’s commitment to defending its troops and supporting the DRC Government…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Missed

SADC to intensify DRC peace efforts

SADC to intensify DRC peace efforts

‘Sadc a staunch advocate for DRC peace’

‘Sadc a staunch advocate for DRC peace’

AI art: Friend or foe? . .Local artists weigh in on the creative revolution

AI art: Friend or foe? . .Local artists weigh in on the creative revolution

Against the odds. . .Woman, maid share breast cancer survival story

Against the odds. . .Woman, maid share breast cancer survival story