Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd, one of Zimbabwe’s premier civil engineering contractors, has successfully completed the rehabilitation and upgrading of the 7.2 km Makuti section along the Harare–Chirundu Highway. This completion marks a huge milestone in the government’s broader US$550 million project to
modernize the 352-kilometer corridor—a vital trade artery linking Zimbabwe and South Africa to Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania.
Engineering in challenging terrain
The Makuti stretch naturally features treacherous terrain and steep gradients that have long made it a bottleneck for regional logistics. Bitumen World’s expertise was called upon to transform
this winding mountain pass into a world-class transit route.
The scope of the project involved significantly more than a simple resurfacing, as the company implemented a comprehensive
widening of the carriageway and the addition of strategic climbing lanes. These lanes are specifically designed to allow heavy long-haul trucks to navigate the incline without impeding the
flow of smaller passenger vehicles, directly addressing the safety concerns that previously plagued the section of the road.
Aerial perspectives captured by drone showcase the road’s relationship with the rugged Zambezi Escarpment, appearing as a bold black ribbon winding through dense, hilly green forest. The vast scale of the engineering is visible in the massive “cut and fill” operations where hillsides were carved away to create space for the new infrastructure. High-altitude views emphasize the sharp elevation changes and the clear contrast between the new bitumen and the surrounding wild bushland, while mediumaltitude shots highlight the integration of concrete drainage systems designed to handle the region’s high rainfall.
Advanced machinery and technology
Central to the project’s success was Bitumen World’s deployment of a high-performance heavy fleet of construction equipment. Most notable was the use of the BOMAG recycler/ stabilizer, a specialized piece of machinery designed for high-efficiency soil stabilization and asphalt recycling.
The contractor utilized Modern BSM (Bitumen Stabilized Material) technology, which enhances the structural integrity of the road base by mixing bitumen emulsion or foamed bitumen into the existing material.
This approach not only ensures a more durable surface capable of withstanding heavy axle loads but also reflects a commitment to sustainable construction practices by reducing the need for imported aggregates. The end product features a deep black, high-quality asphalt finish accented by crisp white dashed centre lines and vibrant yellow thermoplastic shoulder markings. The precision of the surfacing and the alignment of safety reflectors demonstrate an attention to detail that has become the hallmark of the firm’s operations.
Safety and quality
The rehabilitation work, supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, was executed under stringent safety protocols. Despite the logistical complexities of working on an active mountain pass, Bitumen World reported zero lost-time incidents throughout the upgrade works. This achievement reflects the site team and engineers’ maintenance of rigorous standards while mobilizing a large fleet in remote, rugged locations. To mitigate the risks of the sub-tropical environment, the project featured enhanced drainage with extensive concrete channels to manage runoff during heavy rains.
The infrastructure also includes rockfall protection through strategically cut hillsides and “falling rocks” warning systems. Navigation aids, such as heavy-duty metal guardrails and red-and-white chevron signs, provide essential guidance through sharp curves.
Strengthening regional trade
Bitumen World’s contribution at Makuti demonstrates the capacity of local firms to deliver international-standard infrastructure. The Harare–Chirundu Highway serves as the backbone of the North-South Corridor, and the successful delivery of this section with high daily production rates and a superior technical finish has enabled the contractor to improve traffic flow significantly.
The technical execution of the project relied on a sophisticated blend of earthworks and road geometry. The massive hillside rock cutting and V-drainconstruction provided the necessary foundation for the climbing lanes and precise thermoplastic markings. This mobilization of specialized equipment and the expertise of the site team transformed a notorious stretch of road into a high-speed link. Completing this trade artery through the escarpment, Bitumen World has built a purpose-driven gateway that secures the future of African trade and regional connectivity.
