Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
THE Cabinet’s recent announcement regarding the rehabilitation of the Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane Road has been commended after the development had been long overdue.
The decision is seen as a significant step towards improving infrastructure and connectivity in the region.
In a Post-Cabinet Press briefing last Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Government had concluded arrangements for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of several roads across the country including the Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane Road with immediate effect.
The road is strategic as it reduces the distance from Kwekwe to Victoria Falls by about 100 kilometres but has given motorists nightmares resulting in motorists preferring to use the longer Bulawayo route.
Soon after being elected into office, Silobela legislator, Cde Jonah Nyevera mobilised about US$8 000, which he channelled towards the gravelling of the road, which is a temporary move meant to make the road at least trafficable.
Commuter operators are also taking advantage of the situation demanding exorbitant charges leading to calls for the tarring of the road to grow louder by the day.
The MP expressed gratitude to the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa saying it was a reflection that it has people at heart.
“As you may be aware, we have been pushing for the rehabilitation of this road since our campaign time and promised people that we will rehabilitate the road once we are in office. I am glad the Government is standing on its promise and rehabilitation works are expected to start soon.
This is a true sign that the Government has its people in mind,” he said.
Cde Nyevera said although he used his funds for the initial gravelling of the road, he was in constant talks with Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona over the rehabilitation of the road.
“We have been in constant talks with Minister Mhona over the road and I am glad it finally sailed through Cabinet. This is a strategic road and I am praying that the contractor will do a good, lasting job, which stands the test of time since it’s used by trucks and buses, given it’s the shortest route to Victoria Falls.
“Now that the road is being rehabilitated, we can now start planning towards the expansion of Cross Roads (Silobela’s main Growth Point) to ensure that it has facilities like clean, safe and potable water, cemetery, dumpsite and ablution facilities, among other things,” he said.
The MP said the district’s gross domestic product was bound to increase significantly, with the rehabilitation of the road.
“The road links our irrigation schemes to Kwekwe market but it is hard for the farmer to supply the Kwekwe market due to the bad road. We are also looking forward to complementing Government efforts by constructing complementary services like fuel stations and food outlets along the road as well as truck stops and other facilities so that we grow our local GDP and contribute towards our national GDP.”