The ongoing road construction project in Mwenezi District is doing more than just upgrading the Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway—it’s revitalizing local communities through job creation, skills development, and lasting infrastructure improvements.
According to Rodnoy Kudzanai, the Mwenezi District Information Officer, the development is being led by local construction firm Exodus and Company and is already having a transformative impact on the area. The roadworks, which span more than 18 kilometers, are scheduled for completion by December 2025.
Kudzanai said that out of the 351 workers currently employed on the project, a substantial portion are locals from Mwenezi, highlighting the inclusive nature of the initiative.
“This is a vital section of the highway, and we’re already seeing its positive effects on the community,” Kudzanai said. “The contractor has made a point to collaborate with local artisans, including plumbers and bricklayers, providing them with practical experience on a large-scale infrastructure project.”
In addition to employing local labor, the project has also boosted surrounding businesses. Construction workers are sourcing food from nearby vendors, and materials and services are being procured from local shops and fuel stations—strengthening the district’s economy from the ground up.
“This project is not just about building a road—it’s about building Mwenezi’s future,” Kudzanai emphasized. “Our service providers are benefiting, our youth are gaining experience, and our entire economic ecosystem is becoming more active.”
Mwenezi Road Project Spurs Local Employment, Economic Growth, and Long-Term Development
Of the total workforce, 96 are women, and young people make up the majority. Kudzanai noted that Exodus and Company has gone beyond just offering jobs—they are also investing in leadership training for workers, preparing them for long-term roles in the construction and engineering sectors.
“These are not just temporary opportunities. Workers are being equipped with skills that will serve them well into the future, both within and beyond this project,” Kudzanai explained.
The highway upgrade is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Mwenezi and regional economic hubs like Masvingo. Once complete, the road will reduce travel time, enhance road safety, and facilitate easier access to markets, health services, and educational institutions for residents.
“This is especially important for our farmers, who will now be able to transport their produce to markets more quickly and efficiently,” Kudzanai said. “Improved infrastructure means improved livelihoods.”
The district has long been burdened by poor road conditions, with travel delays and access difficulties affecting daily life. The new highway is being hailed as a game-changer, with ripple effects that go beyond transport alone.
Local leaders and community members alike have praised the initiative for its inclusive approach and commitment to empowering Mwenezi residents. The integration of community resources into the project, from labor to logistics, has been widely welcomed.
Kudzanai also pointed out that the benefits of the road construction will continue long after the project ends. “This is a lasting investment in our region,” he said. “Improved roads mean stronger commerce, better service delivery, and more opportunities for everyone.”
As the project advances toward its December 2025 completion target, optimism continues to grow among locals who see the road as both a literal and symbolic path to progress.
With continued community involvement and efficient execution by Exodus and Company, the Mwenezi highway development is fast becoming a model for how infrastructure projects can uplift communities and drive sustainable growth across Zimbabwe.
