By Violet Mashonga
Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe – Stakeholders gathered at Caves Motel for a consultation meeting on the Chirundu Road Construction and Rehabilitation Project, a key component of Zimbabwe’s national infrastructure upgrade spearheaded by President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa.
The session formed part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
The Makonde Rural District Council (RDC) proudly hosted the meeting, becoming the first RDC to convene stakeholders for this transformative project.
This milestone reflects the council’s proactive role in engaging local communities to ensure the project’s success and relevance at the grassroots level.
Representing the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Alphonce Haruzivishe, an Environment Specialist from Envinet Planning Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd, welcomed participants and reiterated the project’s strategic importance.
“This road will significantly contribute to Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and economic growth. But for that to happen, stakeholder input is critical,” said Haruzivishe.
Participants noted signs of progress, including visible detours along the route, indicating the project’s imminent commencement. The project, with a 24-month timeline, will be executed by five contractors: Masimba, Exodus, Tensor, Fossil, and Bitumen.
Community Voices: Calls for Inclusion and Accountability
Stakeholders from various sectors voiced expectations and concerns:
Matha Paul emphasized the need for inclusive implementation, ensuring women and rural communities are involved and benefit equally.
John Dimitris called for speedier execution, urging contractors to avoid unnecessary delays and stick to the projected timeline.
Richard Chabwe, a local farmer, proposed that toll gates be positioned outside residential areas to ease financial pressure on townspeople. He stressed that farmers must gain, not lose, from the development.
Brian Bangira highlighted potential disruptions to local granite mining operations and urged contractors to collaborate with local businesses.
Youth employment also emerged as a major concern. Stakeholders urged that priority be given to hiring local young people during the construction phase.
Haruzivishe acknowledged all concerns and pledged to relay stakeholder input to the relevant authorities and ensure transparent feedback mechanisms are in place.
“This consultation process is not symbolic — it’s a blueprint for how we want development to work in Zimbabwe: collaborative, transparent, and people-focused,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Chief Nemakonde underscored the importance of shared ownership and responsibility:
“This project must benefit us,” he said. “Let us work together to make sure our people see the results.”
The meeting concluded with a strong sense of unity and purpose, as stakeholders committed to playing an active role in ensuring the Chirundu Road project brings long-term benefits to the region — boosting connectivity, trade, and economic inclusion.
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