Government has secured fresh funding to accelerate the rehabilitation of the strategic Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road after financial constraints slowed progress on the major infrastructure project.
Speaking during a media briefing on the state of the country’s road infrastructure, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Felix Mhona said the new funding would enable contractors to increase the pace of work on the 440-kilometre highway, which is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate tourism and boost trade along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest transport corridors.
“The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road remains one of Government’s priority infrastructure projects. We have now secured additional funding to ensure that works gather momentum after earlier delays caused by funding challenges,” said Minister Mhona.
Construction on the highway commenced in July 2025, but progress slowed due to limited financial resources. As of 30 July 2026, a total of 73.4 kilometres had been completed and opened to traffic, leaving 367 kilometres still to be rehabilitated.
Minister Mhona said Government remained committed to delivering the project despite the financial pressures associated with such a large-scale undertaking.
“Our annual allocation for national roads stands at about US$150 million, which is not adequate to finance a project of this magnitude alongside the many other road rehabilitation programmes being undertaken across the country.
“This is why we are mobilising additional resources through Public-Private Partnerships and loan facilities to bridge the funding gap,” he said.
The rehabilitation programme is being undertaken by eight contractors, each responsible for approximately 50 kilometres of the highway.
Minister Mhona noted that another nine-kilometre section was opened to traffic about two and a half weeks ago, reflecting continued progress despite previous funding setbacks.
“We are working closely with all contractors to ensure that the newly secured funding translates into faster implementation on the ground. Our objective is to complete this strategic road to the required standard and improve safety, efficiency and travel times for all road users,” said Minister Mhona.
The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road is regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most important highways, linking the country’s second-largest city with the tourism hub of Victoria Falls and serving as a regional transport corridor connecting neighbouring countries.
Government has identified the road as a critical enabler of economic growth, tourism development and regional integration under the country’s infrastructure modernisation agenda.
The original Public-Private Partnership programme covered nearly 750 kilometres of road rehabilitation, including the Beitbridge route, as authorities continue pursuing innovative financing models to accelerate the country’s road development programme.
