Independence rush exposes road neglect

by ZODWA MLOTSHWA & NQOBANI MATIBELA
MAPHISA — FRUSTRATION is mounting among residents in Matabeleland South as government authorities rush to rehabilitate the long-neglected 66-kilometre road linking Gwanda and Maphisa ahead of Zimbabwe’s Independence Day celebrations.

This year’s national celebrations are scheduled for Maphisa Stadium in Maphisa Growth Point, Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the country’s 46th independence anniversary.

Locals say the sudden urgency to address the Gwanda–Maphisa road highlights years of neglect and marginalisation of the region, accusing authorities of responding only when national leaders are expected to visit the area.

Residents argue that the road should have been prioritised long ago rather than being hurriedly addressed because of a national event.

“A development that is done simply because the president is coming is not genuinely meant for the people,” said Mehluli Siziba, a resident.

“Are they (ZANU-PF elites) saying that since 1980 the people of Gwanda and Maphisa did not deserve a proper tarred road?”

The Gwanda–Maphisa road is regarded as a critical economic link connecting communities to opportunities in mining, agriculture and tourism.

Poor road infrastructure has long hindered business activity, restricted access to markets and slowed the movement of goods and services.

Citizens say the situation reflects broader concerns about uneven development across Zimbabwe, particularly in Matabeleland, where residents believe their region has lagged behind others in infrastructure investment.

Sibonisiwe Moyo, another resident, expressed scepticism about the rushed construction work.

“I strongly suspect this hurriedly constructed road will not last two years before it is damaged by rains,” she said.

“People want quality development, not projects done quickly for appearances.”

Observers warn that neglecting development in certain regions can deepen economic disparities, fuel resentment and slow national progress.

Infrastructure such as reliable road networks plays a vital role in stimulating investment, enabling trade and improving access to health services, education and employment opportunities.

Balanced development across all provinces can strengthen supply chains, boost tourism and create new economic corridors that benefit the entire country.

However, residents say progress on the road remains minimal despite the sudden attention.

Construction work has reportedly covered only about 1,2 kilometres of the 66-kilometre stretch, raising doubts about whether the project will be completed.

Government officials, including Transport Minister Felix Mhona, Minister of State for Presidential Monitoring and Implementation of Government Programmes Joram Gumbo, and Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe visited the project site to assess progress.

For many residents, the key concern is not the visits themselves — but why meaningful development appears only when leaders are expected to pass through.