Staff Reporter
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has called on the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway, saying the road’s poor condition threatens tourism and passenger safety.
PAZ national coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati said the organisation was the first to raise concerns over the state of the highway after writing to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
“Passengers Association of Zimbabwe was the first organisation to highlight the poor state of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway. We wrote a letter to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and after some time, government delegates who attended a conference also complained about it, followed by many other concerned individuals,” he said.
Goliati said the government later announced that several companies had been contracted to rehabilitate the highway but progress on the ground remained limited.
“When checked, only 39 kilometres had been done. Can you just imagine?” he said.
He said work had since stalled, with contractors reportedly stopping operations because of non-payment.
“There has been no progress at all. Contractors have stopped work due to non-payment. Our government must prioritise the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road network,” Goliati said.
The highway links Bulawayo with Victoria Falls, one of Zimbabwe’s major tourism destinations, and is used by passengers, tourists, freight operators and other motorists.
Goliati said the road was critical to the tourism sector and that continued delays in rehabilitation could affect travel, transport operations and economic activity along the route.
PAZ urged the government to address outstanding payments to contractors and provide a clear timetable for the resumption and completion of rehabilitation works.
The association also called for regular public updates on the project’s progress, including the sections completed, contractors involved and the funding available for the works.
