Nkosile Khumalo
The long-awaited rehabilitation of the Nkayi-Bulawayo highway has sparked mixed reactions among residents and motorists. While some acknowledge notable improvements, others express frustration over years of stalled progress, questioning whether the government will ever fully deliver on its promises.
Nkayi residents and social media users have voiced growing skepticism over the ongoing rehabilitation of the Nkayi-Bulawayo road. Despite recent work by Difflock Construction, many claim the project has been dragging on for over a decade, with little to show for it.
“For how many years has the Bulawayo-Nkayi road been under rehabilitation? You take citizens for fools,” wrote one Nyathi on X (formerly Twitter).
“We’re not surprised—they’ve been lying to us for over 40 years,” added dlovu. “They started building the Nkayi road in 1996, a simple regional road. Do we expect them to finish a major 440km highway? Unless we are naïve.”
Difflock Construction has been contracted to rehabilitate a 23km stretch from Inyathi Business Centre, with some sections already completed. While progress remains slow, some motorists welcome the improvements.
“For small car owners like myself, some sections had become impassable,” said Njabulo Dube. “The work done so far is promising. We just hope the government ensures quality is maintained.”
Bubi District Council Chairperson, Mr. Ignatius Khabo, praised the project, calling it a boost for businesses.
“This road has been in poor condition for years, making travel difficult for both motorists and businesses,” he said. “We urge the government to extend rehabilitation efforts to other sections as well.”
The Nkayi-Bulawayo highway is among the 33 priority road projects under the government’s infrastructure plan, alongside the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho and Bulawayo-Victoria Falls roads. However, as delays persist, many remain skeptical about the project’s completion timeline and accountability.
Will this project finally reach completion, or will it remain another unfulfilled promise? Residents are watching closely.
