By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE rehabilitation and upgrading of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road has entered a key phase, with cement stabilization work now in progress in the Insuza area, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development has announced.
According to the ministry’s update on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the process is part of the ongoing efforts to build a stronger and more durable foundation for the new road surface.
The 440.4-kilometre project, a major transport artery linking Zimbabwe’s tourism capital with the country’s second-largest city, is seen as vital to improving regional connectivity, promoting trade, and enhancing tourism.
So far, 19.2 kilometres of the road have been completed and opened to traffic, while 421.2 kilometres remain under construction.
“The upgrade of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road continues, with cement stabilization work now actively underway in the Insuza area,” the ministry stated.
“As a key project for boosting regional connectivity, tourism, and trade, we are committed to the journey. While there is still a long way to go, we are paving the way forward,” said the Ministry
Frequent road users have welcomed the ongoing works but urged for faster progress, especially in areas where detours and construction have slowed travel.
“It’s encouraging to see work finally taking place. The road had become dangerous,” said a commuter bus driver.
“The completed sections are smooth and safe if the rest of the road can be done to that standard, it will be a huge improvement,” noted Lydia Ncube, a regular traveller between Bulawayo and Hwange.
Others, however, expressed concern about delays.
“We appreciate the upgrades. We just hope the pace picks up,” said, a truck driver who frequently uses the route.
Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to improve travel safety, reduce vehicle operating costs, and enhance the overall road user experience on one of Zimbabwe’s busiest tourism corridors.