Bulawayo-Vic Falls highway works to resume in coming weeks – Minister
Construction work on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway is expected to resume in the coming weeks after Treasury availed funds to clear outstanding payments to contractors.
Eight contractors working on the economically strategic road downed tools after Government failed to pay them.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona told the National Assembly on Wednesday that Government remains committed to completing the project despite funding constraints and competing demands on the national fiscus.
He was responding to Bindura South legislator Remigius Matangira (ZANU PF) during a question-and-answer session.
Matangira had urged Government to prioritise the road, saying its poor state was affecting motorists and the tourism sector.
He said while Government was rehabilitating roads across the country, the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway should be given priority because of its economic and tourism importance.
The legislator said he had personally experienced the challenges on the road after travelling for 15 hours between Bulawayo and Hwange.
Mhona acknowledged the importance of the road, particularly to the tourism industry, saying visitors rely on it to access Victoria Falls and other attractions.
He said the highway requires substantial funding, but Government is working to ensure contractors are paid so work can resume.
Mhona said Government is also attending to other major highways, including the Victoria Falls-Beitbridge road and the road to Chirundu.
“However, as a ministry, with the funding we have accumulated, we want to pay for those rehabilitating the Victoria Falls Road. This will be done in the coming weeks.
“The eight companies will work together. So, I promise you that we are going to start with this road.”
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