Harare – Work has officially begun on the long-awaited dualisation of the Harare–Mazowe Road, one of Zimbabwe’s busiest highways. Contractors are now on site, marking the start of a project that authorities say will transform traffic flow, enhance safety, and spur economic development along the critical corridor.
The Harare–Mazowe Road, which links the capital to Mazowe and surrounding areas, has for years been plagued by congestion and frequent traffic accidents. Commuters, school-goers, and commercial operators alike have faced significant delays and safety risks, making the dualisation project a highly anticipated intervention.
Provincial Internal and External Affairs representative Shakemore Mabharani, who toured the construction site, emphasised that the project represents more than an infrastructure upgrade.
“This is more than just a road; it is a foundation for economic growth and progress. We have seen far too many accidents on this stretch. This development will save lives and stimulate investment,” Mabharani said.
Officials note that the upgraded road will improve connectivity between Harare, Mazowe, and neighbouring areas, opening doors for growth in agriculture, commerce, and tourism. Farmers in Mashonaland Central, who rely on the route to transport produce to urban markets, will benefit from reduced travel times and improved safety.
Business operators anticipate that the dualisation will also lower transport costs, streamline logistics, and enhance access to markets, creating a more favourable environment for investment along the corridor.
Tourism is expected to receive a boost as well, with the improved highway facilitating easier access to cultural, historical, and recreational sites in Mazowe and surrounding regions. Local lodges, craft markets, and tourist attractions are poised to benefit from increased visitor numbers, contributing to the broader economic impact of the project.
The project also promises to benefit young people in the region. Mashonaland Central National Youth Service provincial commander Philip Samanje highlighted the positive implications for youth employment, skills development, and access to opportunities.
Work Underway on Harare–Mazowe Road Dualisation: A Boost for Safety and Economic Growth
“Improved infrastructure means improved access to markets, to jobs, and to training centres. As young people, we are encouraged when we see tangible development taking place,” Samanje said.
Construction is expected to create temporary employment opportunities for local youth in areas such as transport, catering, and logistics, while long-term economic growth along the route is likely to provide sustained benefits for aspiring young entrepreneurs.
Educators in the region have welcomed the project, noting that it will enhance safety for learners and teachers who use the road daily. Grace Chivhu, head of Graigen Grower Secondary School, described the dualisation as a significant step toward safer travel.
“Our school has had its share of difficulties because of the traffic hazards on this road,” she said. “Learners and teachers are often exposed to danger when commuting. This project brings hope for safer travel and better access to essential services like education and healthcare.”
For rural communities, the upgraded road will provide safer and more reliable access to hospitals, markets, and other critical facilities. Motorists also stand to benefit from reduced vehicle maintenance costs thanks to smoother road surfaces and improved traffic flow.
Zimbabwe’s road network has long suffered from underfunding, poor maintenance, and damage caused by heavy rainfall. The Harare–Mazowe dualisation is part of a broader government initiative to modernise key transport arteries, boost economic growth, and improve road safety.
Authorities cite previous upgrades, such as work on the Harare–Beitbridge Highway, as models for the anticipated positive impact of the Mazowe project. By bringing major corridors up to modern standards, the government aims to create a more efficient and reliable national transport network.
Analysts note that road dualisation projects often have a ripple effect on local economies. The Harare–Mazowe corridor passes through fertile agricultural zones where maize, tobacco, and horticultural crops dominate. Faster and safer transport will enable farmers to deliver produce to markets more efficiently, reducing losses and increasing profitability.
The improved road is also expected to encourage private investment in retail, tourism, and service sectors along the highway. Local residents have expressed optimism that the project will make their communities more accessible, attract development, and provide better opportunities for youth and small business owners.
While construction will require several months and may cause temporary disruption, authorities assure motorists and pedestrians that the benefits will outweigh the short-term inconveniences. The dualisation of the Harare–Mazowe Road represents both a critical safety intervention and a strategic investment in Zimbabwe’s economic future.
For commuters, school-goers, farmers, and businesses along the corridor, the project promises smoother travel, improved safety, and a foundation for sustained development that could transform the region in the years to come.
Source- Bulawayo24
