The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Province, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, today officially commissioned the rehabilitated Malole-Dickson and Silalatshani-Sanali-Malole Roads in Insiza District, marking another significant milestone in improving rural connectivity and supporting socio-economic development across the Province.
The rehabilitation project saw approximately 22 kilometres of road regravelled at an investment of about US$2.37 million, largely financed by FS Mining in collaboration with Government agencies, the local authority and other stakeholders.
The works included regravelling, reconstruction of culverts, reinforcement of four swampy sections with rocks, and improvement of access roads leading to Malole and Zvikombe schools. The project was completed over approximately four months and also created temporary employment opportunities for members of the local community.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Nguluvhe commended FS Mining and all stakeholders who contributed towards the successful completion of the project.
“Good roads are the arteries of development. They connect our communities to schools, health facilities, markets, Government services and economic opportunities. The rehabilitation of these roads is therefore not merely about improving a road; it is about improving the quality of life of our people.”
The Minister applauded the partnership involving FS Mining, Tofee Mining, the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), Insiza Rural District Council and local communities, describing it as a practical demonstration of the importance of collaboration between Government and the private sector in accelerating development.
He noted that Government cannot address every infrastructure requirement working alone and encouraged other mining companies, businesses and development partners operating in Matabeleland South Province to complement Government programmes through meaningful investment in the communities where they operate.
“I commend FS Mining for investing approximately US$2.37 million into this important road infrastructure. This is the kind of corporate-community partnership that we want to see across Matabeleland South Province. Companies must grow together with the communities in which they operate.”
The Minister said improved road infrastructure would facilitate the movement of people, agricultural produce and other goods, while reducing travelling times and improving access to education and other essential services.
The project is aligned with the country's broader development agenda under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) 2026–2030, particularly the drive to strengthen infrastructure and promote inclusive regional development through devolution.
Hon. Nguluvhe further reiterated the Government's commitment to ensuring that development reaches rural and previously underserved communities in line with the principle of leaving no one and no place behind.
He called upon local communities, traditional leaders, the local authority and road users to collectively safeguard the newly rehabilitated infrastructure and ensure that it is properly maintained Below is a polished, media-ready press release drafted in the Minister’s voice. I have retained the project figures and stakeholder details from your report while tightening the language for publication. The reference to NDS2 is consistent with the Government’s current 2026–2030 national development framework, which includes infrastructure development and regional development through devolution among its priorities.