Beitbridge-Vic Falls highway set for rehabilitation

BY STAFF REPORTER 

In a significant move to revamp Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure, the government has announced a deal with Bitumen World to rebuild the Beitbridge-Victoria Falls highway.

This 760-kilometer stretch, a vital artery connecting Zimbabwe to its Southern African neighbors, has been in a state of disrepair for years, causing headaches for motorists and threatening the safety of travelers.

Transport & Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona

According to the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting, “Plans underway to upgrade, rehabilitate, widen, and dualise certain sections of the Beitbridge -Bulawayo -Victoria Falls Road through a Public-Private Partnership with Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd under a Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer contract.

The rehabilitation of the road will enhance movement of transit traffic, thereby making this route the most preferred along the North- South Corridor, connecting Zimbabwe to South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.”

The project aims to upgrade, rehabilitate, widen, and dualize certain sections of the road, making it a top priority along the North-South Corridor.

This rehabilitation will not only enhance transit traffic but also boost tourism, as the road serves as a key access point to popular destinations like Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls.

The sorry state of the road has been a subject of concern for locals and travelers alike. A video shared by Hwange councilor Given Moyo recently exposed the deplorable condition of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1816004167678451978?s=46

While some sections of the highway have already seen rehabilitation efforts, the project stalled due to financial challenges and the rains have since worsened the situation.