adminBrighton Gumbo Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE has received funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the development of a national transport master plan. Zimbabwe does not have a transport master plan although it has designed a proposal study under the Medium Term Plan (MTP2011-2015).
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development said it would use part of the agreed funding for payments under the contract for financial audit service.
“The Republic of Zimbabwe has received financing from the African Development Bank Group towards the cost of the development of a national transport master plan,” said the ministry in a notice.
It, however, could not disclose the amount availed for the exercise. The AfDB said the transport master plan would enable the ministry to effectively prepare for transport sector development and interventions.
“The transport sector interventions will ensure effective and affordable means of transportation of goods and services to support growth and wealth creation, which is in line with the National Transport Policy of 2013,” reads part of the regional bank’s fund document.
It said the outcome of the plan would provide the framework for the sustainable development of the transport sector to stimulate economic growth and alleviate poverty.
It will also present the current situation of transport infrastructure and services, institutional and human capacity, forecasting future transport demands and required infrastructure and service requirements.
“The master plan also facilitates the development of a framework of a transport strategy and investment plans to meet the demands as well as the tools for implementation,” said the bank.
Transport and infrastructure are critical in the successful implementation of the government’s blue-print, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset (2013-2018).
The transport sector master plan promotes inclusive growth and is deliberatively designed to champion gender and equity in the distribution of transport infrastructure and services. Zimbabwe is a land-locked country hence national and regional transport connectivity is a necessary condition for promoting economic activity and cross border trade.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is responsible for the overall management of transport policy and regulation as well as the administration of road, rail, aviation and inland water transport.
derick.khumalo