Emergency rehabilitation works have commenced on the Harare–Chirundu Road, with contractors moving in this week to repair severely damaged sections of the key regional highway.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development confirmed the development, yesterday, saying the intervention is aimed at restoring safety and improving traffic flow along the heavily used route.
“This critical artery links Zimbabwe to Zambia and the broader region. Deterioration has burdened motorists, transporters and the logistics sector for too long,” said Ministry spokesperson, Judith Nhau.
She said the emergency works are long overdue and form part of efforts to stabilise the highway, which has been severely affected by years of wear and a heavy rainy season that left large sections riddled with potholes and unsafe for motorists.
“Rehabilitation is long overdue,” she said.
Nhau added that the ongoing works are only a temporary measure aimed at restoring basic safety while Government finalises funding for full reconstruction of the highway.
“Patching alone cannot deliver lasting improvements. Government is committed to rehabilitating this corridor to a standard befitting its strategic importance,” she said.
Work is currently underway in areas including Nyamakate and Karoi in Mashonaland West province. Crews have been seen patching damaged sections and stockpiling gravel along affected stretches such as Mlichi, Kasimure, Chikuti and Shubaro.
The road is a key transport link for cross-border traffic, particularly goods moving between southern and central Africa, and has long been criticised by transporters for increasing travel time and vehicle maintenance costs.
Transport operators and truck drivers have welcomed the intervention, saying it will ease movement and reduce losses caused by the poor road condition.
The Harare–Chirundu Road forms part of the North–South Corridor, a strategic regional trade route linking Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other countries in the region.
It also serves the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), making it a critical route for regional trade flows, logistics efficiency, and economic integration.
Government has prioritised road infrastructure rehabilitation as part of broader efforts to improve transport networks, enhance safety, and support economic growth through reduced transit costs and improved connectivity.
