Bulawayo–Nkayi Road Upgrade Marks Key Milestone with 12km Section Opened

Rehabilitation works on the Bulawayo–Nkayi Road have recorded significant progress following the completion and reopening of a newly tarred 12-kilometre stretch near the Ingwigwizi Bridge.

The milestone forms part of the government’s broader infrastructure renewal programme under the Second Republic, aimed at strengthening road networks and improving access between Bulawayo, Inyathi, and surrounding rural areas.

The Bulawayo–Nkayi route is among 33 priority roads scheduled for rehabilitation in 2025. Upon full completion, the journey between Bulawayo and Inyathi is projected to take less than 30 minutes, a development expected to stimulate agricultural trade, boost rural economies, and attract investment into Matabeleland North.

Communities along the corridor are already feeling the impact of the project, with local residents being engaged in road preparation works such as gravel clearing and surface preparation ahead of surfacing.

Confirming the development, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development said the completed section is now open to motorists.

“Surfacing works on the Bulawayo–Nkayi Road construction project have progressed well, with 12 kilometres completed and opened to traffic to date,” the ministry said.

The government is implementing the works using a kilometre-by-kilometre construction model, a strategy designed to maximise progress across several sections at once despite fiscal constraints.

Bubi Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Simelisizwe Sibanda, said the approach has produced tangible results within a short space of time.

He noted that transport fares between Bulawayo and Inyathi have already fallen from US$5 to US$3, bringing relief to daily commuters.

The improved road conditions have also ignited interest in residential development, with the Bubi Rural District Council receiving growing enquiries for housing stands in Inyathi. Traders dealing in perishable goods such as milk and bread can now replenish stocks daily, improving service delivery.

Bubi RDC chief executive officer Dr Patson Mlilo described the upgrade as a potential investment catalyst, explaining that poor road infrastructure previously deterred investors due to prolonged travel times.

However, residents in areas where construction is yet to commence have called on authorities to accelerate works, citing persistently high transport costs.