TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
Construction company, Zwane Enterprises says it will complete the rehabilitation of the 120km Bulawayo – Old Gwanda Road before the end of this year.
Zwane recently won the tender to rehabilitate the road under a build, operate and transfer (BOT) agreement. The cost of the project is estimated to be US$150m.
The latest development was revealed by Zwane Enterprises CEO, Bekithemba Mbambo.
“In terms of funding for the project we have a private investor who has advanced a loan for whatever amount we need. So far, we have tabled US$150m,” Mbambo said.
He added: “We might increase it if the scope of the work is larger than that. We want to finish the project this year. If we start with the yellow vehicles beginning August, we can finish the project by the end of November.The constraints on this project is the Mtshabezi River near Gwanda.
“There is a big bridge that has to be constructed there and it might be a big bottleneck because we cannot rush it. We hope to shorten it by getting some prefab material from South Africa so that the time frame is shortened. So far what we want to do is to pave the road, build the supporting infrastructure, what we call furniture as well as putting up network boosters which we hope to complete by November.”
Cabinet recently approved the redevelopment of the road following an unsolicited bid by Zwane Enterprises.
Matabeleland South villagers have been raising concern over the poor state of Old Gwanda Road that has been neglected for years.
Mbambo said some villagers were going to be relocated to pave way for the project.
“We have said we are not going to compensate people financially because if we do so in some cases, the children will end up without a roof. We are therefore going to build homes for affected families and will strive to build better homes because we do not want a situation whereby the new home is not as good as the old one,” he said.
Chief Mathema said he had already engaged Gwanda Rural District Council so that affected families can have options.
“I have spoken to the Gwanda Rural District Council where I have secured 50 stands and those who wish to move to a town like environment, we will move them there. We have many homes that are close to the road and these will be moved,”he said.
The project has been received with optimism in the region as it is expected to spur economic development while empowering communities.
Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni said: “We are really happy to witness this project. As you are aware, we are the epicentre and accessibility affects us as a district. This is where people from various places meet. We are happy to have an accessible corridor. We will also push the Buy Bulawayo Campaign to ensure we promote this project.”
The country’s road network has deteriorated greatly due to lack of finance to maintain and rehabilitate it and build new driveways.
Member of Parliament for Umzingwane, Levy Mayihlome said the project will bring development in the region.
“On several occasions, the government has provided funds and materials to fix the roads but after several months the roads would be dilapidated again. This project will see to it that the road will be well constructed and it will greatly enhance the Matabeleland region. We need to work together to ensure that this project doesn’t die as a dream but actually becomes reality,” he said.
