Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Joel Biggie Matiza said that the government has resolved to engage local contractors to dualise the Chirundu-Harare-Beitbridge Highway. According to the Minister, this will allow the country to create jobs for locals and save on foreign currency. However, the government is still seeking a private company to be the principal partner. Said Matiza,
Cabinet decided that the Department of Roads immediately commences work on the road rehabilitation, while negotiations with a private partner continue. There is already $150 million raised through an Old Mutual bond that will help us kick-start works…The government has also decided that local construction companies with the requisite expertise will be engaged as sub-contractors. This decision means as a country struggling with foreign currency issues, we will keep the money in Zimbabwe as well as the jobs…The rainy season is upon us and this road that has claimed so many lives is in a deplorable state. We cannot continue dithering. We cannot remain stuck in talks, while nothing happens on the ground. We must start work and start immediately.
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