BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Government says it has resolved to repair 60 kilometres of the damaged Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road as most parts of the road are no longer trafficable due to old age, lack of maintenance and rains damage.
The cabinet made the announcement on Tuesday during a ministerial cabinet meeting amid revelations that the procurement process has been finalised.
Travelers including the tourists use the road as it connects to the SADC regional countries such as South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.
“Cabinet wishes to assure the nation that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has finalised
procurement processes for the reconstruction of the 60 km of badly damaged sections on the 760 km Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road and maintain the entire road so that it is trafficable, “post – cabinet minutes read.
“The road is being prioritised, and Bitumen World is already on the ground.
In the medium to the long term, government announced that the the road will be dualised upon finalization of negotiations with the prospective contractor.
Work will also be undertaken on the Victoria Falls-Kazungula road.
“Priority is also being accorded to the Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane road which
reduces significantly the distance to Victoria Falls.”
Government said it will also continue to avail resources for the surfacing of the Karoi-Binga-Victoria Falls road.
“Mining companies will be requested to assist in the maintenance of the roads they use, in order to lessen the burden on the Government.”