The ambitious upgrade of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, one of Zimbabwe’s most critical transport arteries, has entered its final phase, with 497 kilometres now fully open to traffic and just 83 kilometres remaining to complete the project. The latest milestone was marked this Tuesday with the official opening of a five-kilometre stretch in Masvingo, signalling steady progress toward the project’s anticipated completion by December this year.
The road, which links the nation’s capital to the southern border town of Beitbridge, plays a pivotal role in facilitating both local and regional trade, making its modernisation a national priority. Motorists and transport operators have welcomed the developments, praising the government’s commitment to improving the country’s road network and highlighting the broader economic benefits of safer and more efficient transport.
“As road users, we want to appreciate the work that our government is doing in terms of improving our road network. Since the coming in of the Second Republic, many of our roads have been rehabilitated, including this critical one. This road is always busy and plays a key role in facilitating trade regionally and locally,” said one motorist.
Another commuter added, “Now we are confident that this road will be completed soon because we are seeing contractors on the ground up to Mwenezi. The government is prioritising the project to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. The works in Masvingo CBD, including new bridges and an interchange, are commendable.”
Engineer Malvern Munemo of Masimba Holdings, one of the five contractors tasked with the road upgrade, confirmed that the project remains on track. “We have had the opportunity to work on five phases of this project. So far, we have completed and handed over phases 1 and 3A. Currently, we are working on phases 3B and 4, which we hope to complete by the end of November this year. The remaining works will include the town section, featuring a bypass, the new Chevron Bridge, and a trumpet interchange,” he said.
Officials have emphasised that the project is more than a construction endeavour; it is a strategic initiative that underpins national development objectives. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Mr Exavier Chisoko, stressed the importance of infrastructure in realising Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030. “Our national vision is centred on inclusive growth, and the bedrock of that growth is appropriate and efficient infrastructure. The Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Road project is a national strategic imperative that enhances connectivity, reduces travel time, and most importantly saves lives,” he said.
Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Road Upgrade Nears Completion, Boosting Regional Connectivity
Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, highlighted the broader economic implications of the upgrade. “The five-kilometre section being opened today, and the wider project, will catalyse economic activity across the province by providing reliable transport links while unlocking potential in sectors such as agriculture and tourism,” he said.
Parliamentary oversight also underscores the significance of the project. Hon Ophias Murambiwa, a member of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing works. “This road is one of the most important highways in our country, serving as a major route to Beitbridge, the gateway to South Africa and the wider SADC region,” he said.
The highway’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. By linking Zimbabwe’s capital to one of the busiest border posts in Southern Africa, the upgraded road promises to enhance trade flows, facilitate tourism, and improve regional mobility. For long-haul transporters and everyday commuters alike, the smooth, modern road offers safer and faster travel, reducing accidents and vehicle wear and tear.
Beyond transportation, the project is expected to stimulate economic growth in communities along the route. Easier access to Masvingo’s commercial centres and border towns supports the movement of goods and services, enabling farmers, traders, and tourism operators to expand their reach. The integration of modern infrastructure with regional trade corridors also positions Zimbabwe as a more competitive player in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market.
As the final 83 kilometres near completion, stakeholders remain optimistic that the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Road will not only meet its deadline but also achieve its goal of transforming the travel experience for millions of Zimbabweans and regional commuters. Once fully operational, the highway will stand as a tangible representation of the Second Republic’s commitment to infrastructure-led development, a cornerstone of Vision 2030.
In essence, the upgraded highway promises more than just smooth tarmac; it embodies a vision of economic connectivity, regional integration, and national progress. For Zimbabwe, the road’s completion signals a future of safer journeys, faster trade, and stronger links with neighbouring countries, cementing its role as a critical artery in the country’s economic landscape.
Source- ZBC
