Article by Tichaona Kurewa
A section of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway which was destroyed by floods last month is now being repaired after the government released funds for the project.
The government is fulfilling its pledge of leaving no one and no place behind in the development matrix with a section of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway destroyed by rains last month being attended to, much to the delight of residents, motorists and tourism players.
“We are delighted by this development, this potion has developed into a death trap. We thank the government for coming to our rescue, this is good for our city,” one of the residents told ZBC News.
Another added, “This gives a good image of our city, we are thankful to the government. This is good, we are happy, accidents will be prevented.”
The local authority is equally excited about the project being implemented by Drawlinks Civil Engineers.
“We were afraid that we may be easily cut off from the outer world. This is the only way out of Victoria Falls, once this road is affected, it was going to affect many things from delivery as well as transportation of tourists between the city and the airport. We are very grateful that this is taking place and we are so grateful that the government through its pledge is leaving no place and no one behind, we are seeing it happening here. Through engagement they are here to help us make this place look good,” said the acting Mayor of Vic falls, Councillor Tonderayi Mutasa.
Matabeleland North Provincial Roads Engineer, Engineer Xolani Ncube gave an insight into the scope of the work and timelines.
“Works on Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway which was washed away have started. The contractor is expected on that section in three weeks’ time. The scope of works is that we are going to do two culverts of 1 200 millimetre pipe diameter and construction of a drain lining in between these two culverts and finally the slope protection on these culverts,” he said.
The road is strategic for business as it links the resort city with the airport and Kazungula border.
