MAPHISA, Mar. 13 (NewsDay Live) – Government authorities say work on the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Maphisa highway is progressing rapidly as contractors intensify efforts to ensure the route is ready ahead of the country’s 2026 Independence Day celebrations at Maphisa Grounds in Matabeleland South.
Senior officials who toured the project this week expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction, describing the works as part of a broader national push to modernise infrastructure while leaving a lasting development legacy in the province hosting this year’s commemorations.
The road links the industrial city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest urban centre, with the rural hub of Maphisa, where national celebrations marking the country’s independence will be held on April 18.
Authorities say the highway rehabilitation forms part of a wider programme of projects being implemented to prepare the province for the national event.
These include construction of a new stadium and upgrades to public infrastructure aimed at benefiting communities long after the celebrations conclude.
Joram Gumbo, Special Adviser to the President on Monitoring the Implementation of Government Programmes, said contractors had shown strong commitment on the ground.
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“What we have noticed is that people are on the ground and they are working very hard,” Gumbo said during the inspection tour.
“I think that by the time we hold our independence, a lot of work will be complete and people will be able to travel properly and we expect that by April 13, there will be quite a lot of improvement along this road.”
His remarks reflect growing confidence within government that infrastructure projects underway in Matabeleland South will not only support the Independence Day celebrations but also strengthen long-term regional connectivity.
In recent years, the government has rotated major national celebrations among provinces, using the occasion to channel investment into infrastructure and community facilities.
This year’s commemorations are expected to attract thousands of visitors to Maphisa, placing the region in the national spotlight.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe said he was encouraged by progress on several projects under his ministry.
Garwe said government was satisfied with work underway on the road, the stadium that will host the traditional children’s party, and other facilities being developed for the celebrations.
The stadium under construction at Maphisa Open Grounds is expected to serve as the central venue for the festivities before becoming a permanent sporting facility for the local community.
Garwe said contractors had already made significant progress along the Bulawayo–Maphisa corridor.
“So far, we have covered the lag that comes from Bulawayo to where we are now, which is about 20 kilometres from the Maphisa venue,” he said.
While acknowledging technical challenges involving bridge infrastructure along the route, Garwe said these would be addressed as part of the broader rehabilitation programme.
“There are challenges, yes, in terms of the size of the bridges, which we can’t work on right now, but I am sure that the Ministry of Transport will then work on them after the event,” he said.
The Bulawayo–Maphisa route is a key transport link for communities in Matabeleland South, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, livestock and other goods between rural districts and urban markets.
Improved road infrastructure is expected to reduce travel times, enhance safety and stimulate economic activity across the province.
Transport operators and residents have welcomed the rehabilitation works, saying the improvements will significantly enhance mobility and access to services.
For government, the project forms part of a broader infrastructure drive aimed at revitalising Zimbabwe’s road network and strengthening connectivity between cities, towns and rural communities.
Authorities say road transport carries the majority of passenger and freight traffic in the country, making investment in highways a national priority.
The upgrades along the Bulawayo–Maphisa corridor are therefore expected to benefit not only visitors attending the Independence Day celebrations but also farmers, traders and businesses that rely on the route throughout the year.