GOVERNMENT has taken another decisive step in modernising its transport infrastructure with the commissioning of a new Department of Roads maintenance camp in Beitbridge — part of a nationwide drive to rebuild and digitalise the country’s road maintenance network.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the new Beitbridge Maintenance Camp will play a pivotal role in maintaining and upgrading roads in Matabeleland South Province, boosting connectivity and economic activity along the key southern transport corridor linking Zimbabwe with South Africa.
“This vital camp will significantly enhance our capacity to develop and maintain our road infrastructure in the Beitbridge District,” Mhona said. “It will allow us to maintain and improve our road network more effectively, respond to emergencies more quickly, and ultimately provide a smoother, safer experience for every traveller on our roads.”
The Beitbridge facility forms part of a broader infrastructure overhaul launched by the ministry earlier this year.
The programme aims to fully resuscitate Zimbabwe’s maintenance network through a comprehensive upgrade that includes procurement of modern machinery, targeted recruitment, advanced training for technical staff, and the digitalisation of scheduling and resource allocation systems.
Mhona said the shift marks a deliberate move away from the reactive “patchwork” approach that has long characterised road repairs in Zimbabwe, towards a proactive and predictive maintenance model.
"By equipping these camps with modern assets and skilled teams, the programme aims to shift our approach from reactive patchwork to proactive, predictive maintenance. This critical investment will not only extend the lifespan of our vital road infrastructure but also enhance commuter safety, boost economic productivity by reducing travel delays, and ultimately build a more resilient and reliable transportation system for all citizens,” he said.
The commissioning comes as Zimbabwe continues to channel substantial investment into its road rehabilitation projects, including the US$400 million Beitbridge–Harare highway upgrade — a flagship venture viewed as central to boosting regional trade and integration with neighbouring economies.
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Mhona said the Beitbridge camp represented tangible evidence of government’s commitment to building a safe and efficient transport system.
“This commissioning is a clear demonstration of the government’s continued commitment to improving and modernising our infrastructure. By investing in state-of-the-art maintenance units, we are ensuring the safety and efficiency of our road network,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the new camp was “only one step in an ongoing journey” to transform Zimbabwe’s transportation landscape, with similar modern maintenance units expected to be rolled out across the country in the coming months.
