In a move set to drastically improve the flow of traffic and enhance road safety on one of the country’s busiest northern arteries, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Adv. F.T. Mhona, officially opened the completed Christon Bank to Blueridge Shops section of the Harare-Mazowe Dualization project today.
The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central, Hon. Christopher Magomo, alongside senior government officials and representatives from the Zimbabwe National Administration (ZINARA) and the Department of Roads.
The newly opened stretch represents a vital milestone in the broader Harare-Bindura-Shamva road upgrade. For years, the bottleneck between Christon Bank and the Blueridge area has been a point of frustration for commuters and haulage trucks alike. By expanding the road into a dual carriage system, the Ministry has not only reduced travel time but also addressed the high risk of head-on collisions that previously plagued this winding section.
Minister Mhona emphasized that this project is a tangible result of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritizes world-class infrastructure as a prerequisite for achieving an Upper-Middle-Income Economy by 2030.
“We are not just laying tar and gravel; we are paving the way for trade, industrialization, and the seamless movement of our people,” Minister Mhona stated during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This road is a critical link for the agricultural heartland of Mashonaland Central, ensuring that produce reaches markets in Harare and beyond with minimal delay.”
Hon. Christopher Magomo lauded the government’s “devolution in action” approach, noting that the infrastructure will breathe new life into the local economy of Mashonaland Central. The improved access is expected to:
- Boost Tourism: Easier access to the Mazowe Dam and surrounding resorts.
- Enhance Agriculture: Lowering transport costs for farmers in the Mazowe valley.
- Improve Road Safety: Modern signage and wider lanes to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles.
The Blueridge Shops, a popular transit stop, are now more accessible to travellers, promising a surge in local commerce.
While the Christon Bank to Blueridge section is now fully operational, the Ministry confirmed that works are continuing further north. The government remains committed to the “Inward-Looking” strategy, utilizing local contractors and engineers to ensure that the capital remains within the Zimbabwean economy.
As the festive season and harvest periods approach, the commissioning of this road comes as a timely relief for thousands of motorists who rely on this route daily.
