The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has announced the start of rehabilitation works on the Mtshabezi River bridge along the Old Gwanda-Bulawayo Road, which was recently severely damaged by heavy rains.
The condition of roads in Matabeleland has deteriorated, especially following the recent rains that damaged much infrastructure.
The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway is also plagued by potholes, while roads in Nkayi and Tsholotsho are impassable, hindering food aid distribution and agricultural activities
In a notice dated March 26 addressed to the motoring public, the ministry indicated that the rehabilitation began on Thursday last week.
Motorists were encouraged to use alternative routes and allow extra travel time for delays.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development wishes to advise the motoring public of a temporary traffic interruption on a section of Old Gwanda Road at the Mtshabezi River Bridge to facilitate essential bridge repair works,” reads the notice.
“Please exercise patience, caution, and obey all road signs and instructions from traffic controllers. We appreciate your cooperation during this essential infrastructure repair exercise.”
The ministry regretted any inconvenience caused and thanked the public for its cooperation and understanding during the repairs.
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These latest developments come as the broader rehabilitation of the Old Gwanda Road from Bulawayo – originally scheduled to begin in 2024 – remains in limbo, with no activity taking place on the project.
In April 2025, reports indicated that preparations for the Old Gwanda Road rehabilitation project had begun, marking a significant step towards improving the region’s road network.
However, the project remains a pipe dream to date.
The project is a collaborative effort between the government and a private company, Zwane Enterprise Limited.
Zwane Enterprise Limited chief executive Bekithemba Mbambo previously revealed that the company had partnered with the government to develop the road, which had been in poor condition for many years.
Mbambo indicated that the company would change the road’s structure, adding that the development would require some homesteads to be relocated.
Mthwakazi Republic Party president Mqondisi Moyo recently lamented the state of Matabeleland’s roads, saying the region has been deliberately marginalised since the time of the Gukurahundi killings between 1982 and 1987.
Moyo attributed the state of the road to state neglect, institutional incompetence and deliberate marginalisation by the government.
