HARARE, (News of The South) – Zimbabwe’s government says it has so far allocated
ZWL$464.6 million towards road network financing in the country, with significant progress made on targeted roads that had become
impassable.
In July 2019, the African Development Bank (AfDB) highlighted that the country needs US$34 billion over the next decade to restore its road,rail, aviation, energy, ICT and water and sanitation infrastructure to proper working conditions. This means that the country requires US$3.4 billion annually from 2020 to 2030.
But, given the neglect of infrastructure assets in recent years, AfDB noted that the changes in the regulatory environment and rapid changes
in technology over the past 2 decades – it would be hard for the southern African nation to reap these benefits without significant
improvement in the country’s regulatory framework and provision of good quality infrastructure.
As part of the southern African nation’s thrust towards development across the country as well as opening economic opportunities for
inaccessible regions, it is implementing the Road Development Programme which seeks to upgrade in a phased approach of 98 133
kilometer road network. The financing will focus on dualisation, bridge construction, construction of airstrips, national parks and
cyclone damages roads. Also, it involves the upgrading and resurfacing.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube, in a statement on Friday, said investments in well-connected road network is good for both business and balanced development in the country. It opens up previously inaccessible areas, he said whilst also crowding in private sector investment to growth points and service centres, thereby
stimulating economic and social development for rural communities.
“As at 15 October, ZWL$464 606 906 has been availed from the fiscus drawing some of the resources from the 2% Intermediary Money Transfer Tax (IMTT). This amount excludes support from the Road Fund (ZINARA)
which mainly targets maintenance programs implemented by road authorities, that is, the Department of Roads (DOD), District
Development Fund (DDF) and Local Authorities,” he said.
The southern African nation’s public infrastructure has been crumbling for years. Both the government and local authorities has been accused of neglect by motorists who often dodge potholes that constantly damage vehicles.
“Road infrastructure is arguably the most important of all our public assets as it contributes to economic development and growth whilst providing access to economic opportunities, employment, and health and
education services as part of our strategy to fight poverty.”
The Road Development Programme requires ZWL$893.21 million. However, the government have so far covered 52% of the programme.
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