BITUMEN World is one of the names currently trending in Matabeleland North province following the recent announcement that it entered into an agreement with the-powers- that-be to upgrade the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road for smooth flow of traffic.
Government recently announced plans for immediate reconstruction of the above- mentioned highway as part of efforts to facilitate quick return to smooth flow of traffic which in the past had been hampered by poor road network infrastructure.
"Plans are underway to upgrade, rehabilitate, widen, and dualise certain sections of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road through a public-private partnership with Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd under a design, build, operate, and transfer contract,” said Jenfan Muswere, Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister.
He was briefing members of the fourth estate after a recent cabinet meeting where they agreed on construction modalities among other related issues, hence the need of prioritising the whole project exercise.
He added that other roads such as Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane road, Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, and Karoi-Binga-Cross Dete road would also be reconstructed at the same time.
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister, Felix Mhona also added that construction of these roads will be done as a matter urgency.
"The feasibility study was done already. What we are saying here is not a talk show, you will see us on the ground.
“So, this is something that is going to happen immediately. The model that we are partaking in and the essence of working closely with the private sector as is expected by President Mnangagwa is what we are running as a ministry.
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“I can assure you that you will see tremendous speed regarding the construction of these roads,” said Mhona at the same media briefing.
As earlier mentioned, Bitumen World is a brand name in the country's road construction industry and its previous presence (2023) in Matabeleland North province brought a huge sigh of relief from those within travelling and touring industry due to its capabilities.
The company's handiwork on the few stretches it worked on has been described by motorists as among the best in terms of workmanship and durability compared to others.
This road has in the past been in the public domain due to its dire need of complete overhaul as it had outlived its lifespan hence proliferation and resurgence of potholes thus putting a dent to the country's travelling and touring enthusiasts.
The proposed rehabilitation of Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane Road is also expected to significantly reduce the distance from Victoria Falls to Kwekwe by an average of 100km and transporters currently go through Bulawayo which is a bit cumbersome to the travelling public.
The same applies to Karoi-Binga-Cross Dete which has also been having its share of criticism as it was proving to be a nightmare to those within the travelling and touring industry.
Distance from Karoi to Binga is around 350km using the proposed shorter route while the current mileage of travelling through Bulawayo to Binga is more than 500km and there are very few takers willing to use this particular route.
Yours Truly is confident that the coming on board of Bitumen World (second time around) to fix the much talked about Victoria Falls-Bulawayo-Beitbridge road will certainly be a boon to the tourism industry players and also to many travellers.
It is a matter of time before this dream becomes a reality.
Till we meet again in the next column.
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