Construction works on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project, particularly along the Cross Dete section, are progressing steadily, with contractors maintaining momentum in line with the project’s implementation schedule.

The project, which is a key component of Zimbabwe’s national road infrastructure development programme, is focused on rehabilitating and upgrading the strategic highway to improve road safety, driving comfort, and overall transport efficiency. Current works include road widening, resurfacing, drainage improvements and the installation of modern traffic safety features.

Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to significantly strengthen connectivity between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, a major tourism hub, while also enhancing the movement of goods and services along the corridor. Authorities say the project will play a vital role in boosting tourism, facilitating trade, and stimulating economic growth in Matabeleland North and surrounding regions.

Meanwhile, road users have been urged to exercise patience and caution while travelling through construction zones. Traffic management measures, including temporary diversions and speed restrictions, have been put in place to safeguard motorists, pedestrians and construction personnel.

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road upgrade underscores the Government’s commitment to modernising critical transport infrastructure and supporting long-term socio-economic development across the country.

The Office of the President and Cabinet has issued a stern warning against the rising abuse of government symbols and road privileges, declaring that illegal motorcades, misuse of government stickers, unauthorised blue lights and vehicles without licence plates will no longer be tolerated.

In a strongly worded statement, the President’s Office expressed serious concern over individuals masquerading as government officials by affixing state stickers and flashing blue lights on private vehicles in order to unlawfully bypass tollgates, police roadblocks and traffic controls.

The practice, the Office said, is not only illegal but also undermines public order, road safety and the authority of law enforcement agencies.

Equally worrying, according to the statement, is the growing number of vehicles operating on public roads without licence plates, a development that poses a major security risk and complicates crime prevention and traffic enforcement efforts.
“The abuse of state privileges and symbols is creating chaos on the roads and placing other motorists and law enforcement officers at risk,” the President’s Office warned.

Authorities have now been instructed to act decisively, with the Office making it clear that anyone found engaging in these practices will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of status or perceived connections.

The warning signals a zero-tolerance approach as government moves to restore discipline, order and respect for the law on Zimbabwe’s roads. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to intensify checks, remove illegal stickers and lights, and impound vehicles operating outside the law.

The President’s Office urged all motorists to comply fully with traffic regulations, stressing that only duly authorised government vehicles are permitted to use official insignia and emergency lights.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a public safety alert following the bursting of two dam walls at Riverton Farm in Zaka District, Masvingo Province, which has resulted in the destruction of key local bridges.

According to the police, the dam walls burst on 12 January 2026, causing extensive flooding that swept away Chipinda and Mutakaya bridges, which cross the Chiredzi River and provide vital access routes for surrounding communities.

The destruction of the two bridges has left them completely impassable, both to motor vehicles and pedestrians, effectively cutting off movement between villages that rely on these crossings.

ZRP has urged residents in Masvingo Province and surrounding areas, particularly those travelling to or from Chipinda and Mutakaya, to exercise extreme caution and avoid the affected areas.

Members of the public have been advised to use alternative routes until the situation is fully assessed and normal conditions are restored.

“The public is advised to remain alert and strictly avoid attempting to cross the damaged bridges, as doing so poses a serious risk to life,” the police said.

The ZRP confirmed that it has engaged the Department of Civil Protection Unit (CPU) to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate necessary emergency and safety interventions. Further updates will be released as more information becomes available.

The Police continue to monitor the situation closely as heavy rains persist in parts of the province, raising concerns over flooding and infrastructure damage.