President Emmerson Mnangagwa says government is intensifying road rehabilitation and rural electrification programmes as part of efforts to modernise infrastructure and drive economic development.
Addressing masses at the 46th Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa, Matabeleland South Province, Mnangagwa said the second republic is prioritising the restoration and upgrading of the country’s road network following damage caused by floods.
This year the celebrations were held under the theme “Zimbabwe at 46, Unity and Development, towards Vision 2030.”
“Roads are an economy. As such, road construction, routine rehabilitation and maintenance have been rolled out, following the aftermath of flooding and associated destruction of our road network,” he said.
Mnangagwa said major highway projects are being expedited, including the completion of the Beitbridge–Masvingo–Harare highway, as well as the upgrading of the Beitbridge–Bulawayo and Bulawayo–Victoria Falls roads.
“The construction of the Harare–Chirundu Road and traffic interchanges will also be accelerated to ease congestion and improve connectivity across the country,” he said.
He noted that a specialised unit will be set up to specifically attend to bridges which are now in a dire state.
On rural electrification, Mnangagwa said government is scaling up investment to expand access to power in underserved communities, describing energy provision as critical to rural industrialisation and improved livelihoods.
“The Rural Electrification Programme is receiving additional Treasury financing. The initiative is being implemented alongside dam construction and borehole drilling programmes to support rural development,” he said.
“The combined infrastructure drive is expected to unlock economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas, by improving access to markets, supporting small-scale industries and enhancing service delivery.”