Upgrading of the Hwedza-Mushandirapamwe Road in Mashonaland East province is progressing well, with only 11 km out of the 47,5 km targeted still to be completed.
Hwedza-Mushandirapamwe Road is being upgraded under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP).
Masimba Holdings was tasked with all road works along the targeted stretch, which is now about 77 percent complete, with the remaining 11 km expected to be completed and opened to traffic this year.
On Wednesday this week, Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes and Projects, Dr Jorum Gumbo, toured the road to have an appreciation of upgrading progress.
“I am pleased to note that approximately 77 percent of the works have already been completed and opened to traffic,” he said.
“This road is critical in improving connectivity between Hwedza district and Marondera, while also facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, goods and services.
“Improved roads reduce transport costs, improve road safety and stimulate local economic activity. I am pleased with the developments that I have seen here. There is only a small stretch remaining from Chop Chop to Mushandirapamwe business centres.
“Government is working hard to improve roads throughout the country and this is one of the areas where road works are being done.”
He added that the Second Republic is committed to undertake developmental projects that impacts positively in communities.
“I am happy to say that the Second Republic is actually committed to seeing that such kind of developments are undertaken throughout the country, and the Hwedza-Mushandirapamwe road upgrade is a typical example of what the Government is doing.”
Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo highlighted the critical role the road plays in the Province.
“The Hwedza-Mushandirapamwe project is one of the critical infrastructural projects which are ongoing in the Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa,” he said. “We are grateful that to date we have covered a significant portion of the stretch, and the outstanding 11 km should be completed before the end of the year.
“This is a critical link road because it connects the district capital of Hwedza and the Provincial capital of Marondera.
“It also connects the district capital of Hwedza and Harare. It also links Mashonaland East and Manicaland. Again, it links Hwedza and Chikomba districts. We believe that once this road is completed, it will speak volumes of the strides we would have made in the Second Republic in terms of our infrastructure development, which is a condition precedent for economic development.”
