OWN CORRESPONDENT
Gwanda Road rehabilitation project in Matebeland South Province, is key evidence of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)’s potential to create socio-economic value and access to new sources of capital.
The project being implemented by Zwane Enterprise Pvt Ltd, on a Build-Operate-Transfer basis, and overseen by the Ministry of Transport will be implemented in three phases over the next few years.
The first phase, spanning 2024 to 2025, will focus on the rehabilitation and upgrading of the 40-kilometer stretch of the Old Gwanda Road between Bulawayo and the Mbalabala turnoff. This will include the construction of new drainage systems, culverts, and road safety features, as well as the establishment of a logistics hub and light industrial park at the Mbalabala intersection.
The second phase, planned for 2026 to 2027, will extend the road upgrades from Mbalabala to the town of Gwanda, covering an additional 60 kilometers. This segment will also see the development of commercial nodes and small-scale manufacturing clusters along the road corridor, as well as improvements to the feeder roads connecting the main highway to surrounding rural communities.
The final phase, scheduled for 2028 to 2029, will further expand the road network to link Gwanda with the border town of Beitbridge, integrating the project with ongoing initiatives to upgrade the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway. Additionally, a special economic zone near the Beitbridge border crossing will be established to promote cross-border trade and investment.
Speaking earlier this month at the project’s launch, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said, “This project aligns perfectly with our administration’s vision of driving sustainable economic development across all provinces. The Old Gwanda Road Project will not only improve critical infrastructure but also create jobs and business opportunities for the people of Matabeleland South.”
He highlighted the impact of the project on Matabeleland South province, stating, “This rehabilitation work will transform the Old Gwanda Road into a modern, well-maintained thoroughfare. It will reduce travel times, enhance connectivity, and facilitate the seamless flow of goods and services between Bulawayo and the surrounding communities.”
Zwane Enterprises CEO, Bekitemba Mbambo, reiterated Vice President Mohadi’s statement, emphasizing that the benefits extended far beyond the road itself.
“This project is about more than just building a road. It’s about unlocking the immense potential of Gwanda and creating opportunities for the community to thrive,” said Mbambo.
Ancillary developments set to sprout up along the revitalized thoroughfare shared by Mbambo shows a vibrant hub of economic activity. A road port, drive-through businesses, shopping mall, office park, and hotel accommodations – all designed to cater for the needs of both local residents and travellers are part of the project. Integral to this vision is a commitment to prioritize local employment, ensuring that the residents of Gwanda are the primary beneficiaries of the economic growth.
As the implementation of this landmark project takes shape, the people of Gwanda and the surrounding region can look forward to a future filled with progress, prosperity, and renewed connectivity – all facilitated by this transformative power of PPPs.
