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Senior Business Reporter
THE rehabilitation of Bulawayo-Nkayi Road is among the top priority projects in Matabeleland North province that have been allocated significant amounts of money to expedite progress, Finance and Economic Development Deputy Minister, Clemence Chiduwa, has said.
During the budget consultation process in October, the Nkayi business community said it is forced to peg higher prices for goods and services as it factors in the crippling cost of expensive transport and logistics costs, which are linked to the dilapidated state of roads.
Due to the slow pace in rehabilitating the 158km Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, motorists and the travelling public endure delayed journeys and breakdowns amid higher incidence of accidents.
In its submissions the Nkayi community pleaded with the Government to allocate more funds to speed up completion of Nkayi-Bulawayo Road, which was initiated in the early 1990s.
So far, about 50km of the road has been upgraded with funding constraints stalling progress.
According to the 2023 National Budget statement presented by Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, three weeks ago, Treasury has allocated $470 billion for Matabeleland North priority infrastructure projects that include the Nkayi-Bulawayo Road construction and Ziminya dam.
The infrastructural projects consist of road works, innovation hubs, industrial parks, irrigation schemes and accommodation among other projects.
The statement indicates that Nkayi-Bulawayo Road was allocated $1,5 billion, Ziminya Dam $1,1 billion, Nkayi-Lupane Shelverts $800 000 000, Nkayi District Offices (animal extension services) got $140 000 000, Bubi Famona Irrigation ($72 000 000), Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road $1,5 billion and Victoria Falls Control Tower $100 000 000.
Speaking during the National Development Strategy One workshop in Bulawayo on Tuesday, Deputy Minister Chiduwa said the Government was committed to financing full completion of the rehabilitation of Nkayi-Bulawayo Road.
“On infrastructural projects, the Government has allocated huge amounts per province. For instance, in Matabeleland North, Nkayi-Bulawayo Road was allocated a significant amount for rehabilitation and construction works,” he said.
“This dovetails with the mantra of leaving no-one and no place behind.”
Deputy Minister Chiduwa said a good road network is important as it facilitates smooth trade and contributes to economic growth.
Despite the delays linked to resource constraints, the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa has pledged to repair the dilapidated road to ease the burden on motorists and the travelling public.
In August, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) said the construction of Ziminya Dam’s coffer-dam and foundation clearance was at 65 and 95 percent respectively while the road leading to the dam site is 65 percent complete.
A coffer-dam is a structure that holds or guards water away from a work area. By dewatering a worksite, construction crews are able to use their equipment and materials with better precision.
Ziminya Dam construction was mooted 24 years ago but nothing had been done until new contracts were awarded last year with teams moving to the ground this year.
According to the proposed budget, Tsholotsho Nursing Training School construction was allocated $66 000 000, Binga Industrial Centre $200 000 000, Binga Border Post House Electricity ($40 000 000), Hwange Deka Pump Station ($25 037 010 000) and Lupane Civil Servants Houses was allocated $149 280 000.
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