By Patience Gondo
THE Government has in place contingent plans for accessing Maphisa in the event low lying bridges are submerged and are not navigable in the event of rains.
This was said by Matebeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations will be held at Maphisa.
Wrapping up an inspection tour in Beitbridge District, Nguluvhe dismissed concerns over the state of the Bulawayo–Maphisa–Gwanda Road, particularly sections likely to be affected by heavy rains.
He said contingency measures including a detours, had already been identified and will be put in place to ensure smooth travel.
“People should not worry about the road leading to Maphisa because of the rains. An alternative route has already been established, meaning everyone will be able to reach the venue,” he said.
The tour formed part of the minister’s assessment of projects under the 46th Independence legacy program in Matabeleland South, as the country prepares to host the 2026 national celebrations in Maphisa for the first time.
Government has prioritized making the key road trafficable rather than fully completed ahead of the mid-April event, focusing on removing major bottlenecks to allow both delegates and locals safe passage.
The minister said the works on the road would continue beyond the celebrations, with contractors now operating around the clock to meet deadlines.
“The project is not just about an event, but about building our nation,” he said.
At the same time, infrastructure development under the Independence legacy projects is gaining momentum across Beitbridge District.
Nguluvhe said progress on key projects had improved after initial delays caused by late delivery of materials.
At Siyoka and Malala Secondary Schools, where laboratories are being constructed, Nguluvhe said the structures are now on course.
He also expressed satisfaction that local communities are directly benefiting from the projects, with residents from Sinyolo and Malala involved in constructing the laboratories.
“We are happy that the people building these labs are from the very communities they are serving. This speaks to the mantra by His Excellency that the nation is built by its people,” Nguluvhe said.
The minister also toured Zezani Mission, the historic Assembly Point Juliet during the liberation struggle, where a monument is set to be constructed.
Meanwhile, the near completion of civil servants’ flats in Beitbridge marks another milestone under the legacy program , aimed at improving living conditions for government workers.
With multiple projects underway, Nguluvhe said the decentralization of Independence celebrations is already driving infrastructure growth in Matabeleland South, reinforcing government’s push to spread development in every place .