Itai Muzondo
SHURUGWI -The government has commenced the reconstruction of the Shurugwi-Mhandamahwe Road, which had been left neglected for years.
Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes Fananai Madambi recently undertook a tour to see progress of the reconstruction.
Speaking during the tour, Midlands Province roads engineer Stephen Kamutema said the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Midlands section covers 43 km.
Kamutema said the project is expected to be completed in 12 months.
“We started on April 15 this year and we expect to complete on April 15, 2025.
“Started at the border with Masvingo and by May 31, a total of 5,9 km had been completed,” he said.
The Masvingo section from Chivi to Mukotose has been rehabilitated and the Midlands section from Mukotose to Shurugwi-Zvishavane turnoff has not been done.
Shurugwi district development coordinator Romeo Shangwa said people in Shurugwi were excited by the reconstruction of the road.
“We have made noise about that section of the road because the Masvingo part was done. We are happy that it has been finally done,” he said.
Shurugwi South legislator Wilson Mhuri said they were excited with the development of the road as it would bring opportunities.
“We have had challenges of traffic diverted to Zvishavane or Mvuma on way to Masvingo or Beitbridge as this road was bad. The reconstruction of our road will result in benefits both socially and economically.
“People have been recruited for work and about 50 have been employed. Business will boom as truckers and other travellers will use this road benefiting businesses at Mukandapi, Mufiri and Chachacha Business Centres,” he said.
Chachacha businessman Ernest Muchechetere said business had decrease due to the state of the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road and its reconstruction would boost their businesses.
