ZINARA, the Zimbabwe National Road Administration, has pledged to enhance the country’s roads, citing robust revenue collection, efficient cost management, and debt servicing as key drivers of this initiative. This commitment was articulated during the ZINARA 2023 Business Overview and Disbursements Report Press Conference held in Harare on February 28, 2024.
Mr. Nkosinathi Ncube, CEO of ZINARA, emphasized the organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability, highlighting efforts to publish disbursements to road authorities as part of its accountability measures. He noted significant progress in addressing governance issues identified in previous audits, which has restored ZINARA’s reputation and credibility.
Ncube reported that ZINARA’s gross road fee collections reached ZWL $868 billion in 2023, surpassing budget projections by 13%. The revenue mix comprised contributions from tolling points, licensing fees, fuel levies, and transit fees, with licensing revenue witnessing notable growth due to improved access to licensing services and enhanced enforcement operations.
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Regarding fund allocation, Ncube noted varying levels of uptake across provinces, with some road authorities claiming 100% of their allocated funds while others accessed less than 75%. Notably, Harare Metropolitan Province and Manicaland demonstrated high uptake, while Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Masvingo, and Matebeleland North exhibited lower utilization rates.
Dr. George Munyaradzi Manyaya, Chairman of the ZINARA Board, highlighted key road maintenance projects funded by the organization, including rehabilitation efforts in Harare and critical infrastructure repairs such as the Somgolo Bridge and Rwenya Bridge. He emphasized the importance of delivering durable, high-quality work that reflects the trust and investment of the Zimbabwean people.
Dr. Manyaya acknowledged the challenges posed by the country’s road infrastructure maintenance gap but expressed confidence that optimal utilization of available funds would gradually transform the road network. He underscored the economic significance of roads and emphasized the need for sustainable, long-lasting infrastructure capable of accommodating current and future traffic volumes.
