Story by Yolanda Moyo
LOCAL construction company, Zwane has availed US$200 million for the rehabilitation of the 120 km old Gwanda road, owing to the investor-friendly policies of the second republic.
The resurfacing of the 120 km old Gwanda road will service communities in Bulawayo, Matobo, Umzingwane and Gwanda.
Unveiling the project in Bulawayo this Saturday, chief executive officer for the company, Engineer Bekithemba Mbambo said in line with the call from President Emmerson Mnangagwa for local investors to partner with the government, they are ready to start on the project which is set to be completed by year-end.
“We have the money and machinery to build the old Gwanda road and also put in place supporting infrastructure such as tall plazas, shopping malls and SMEs trading stalls as we also promote tourism in Matopo. This is to show confidence in the second republic’s policies which are investor friendly. We have finally been asked to produce a document for the project which we will do jointly with the Ministry of Transport and that would facilitate the start of the project.”
The traditional leadership led by Chief Mathe of Matobo and Chief Mathema of Gwanda welcomed the project and implored the political leadership to ensure that the project is done for the benefit of the communities.
The Gwanda community is keen on this project and has requested that they also be allocated business space and employment in this project.
The old Gwanda road may open more avenues of investment, especially by the diaspora community under the trans-Limpopo special development initiative that has identified the Beitbridge to Victoria Falls route as a prime investment area.
