Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona has outlined major road infrastructure projects expected to support the country’s economic development.
He was speaking during the 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar held in Bulawayo over the weekend, where he highlighted ongoing and planned projects across the country.
Among the key projects is the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road and completion of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway.
Minister Mhona also outlined planned works on the Harare-Chirundu Road, Harare-Kanyemba Road and Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane Road.
He further highlighted plans to complete more interchanges in and around Harare, including those at Msasa and Mabvuku, among other infrastructure projects.
Minister Mhona also outlined the revamping of the National Railways of Zimbabwe in which new wagons and locomotives are being purchased as well as the rehabilitation of the Chikwalakwala to Plumtree railway line.
Expansion and upgrading of Kariba, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo Airports were also given priorities in his ZiG 27.96 billion 2027 budget bid.
The 2027 Pre-budget Seminar has kicked off in Bulawayo, with Members of Parliament and Government ministries set to deliberate on sectoral priorities, policy measures and funding requirements ahead of the formulation of the National Budget.
The seminar, which ran from October 28 to 31 at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES), brought together Government ministries and parliamentary portfolio committees to assess proposed programmes and make recommendations ahead of the budget presentation scheduled for November 19.
The 2027 National Budget is being formulated under the theme: “Accelerating Economic Transformation and Building Resilience to Climate Shocks and Global Shocks.”
The seminar provided a platform for legislators to deliberate on issues raised during public consultations conducted by the Parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finance, other parliamentary committees and individual legislators.
It also formed part of Parliament’s budget oversight and consultation processes, allowing legislators and Government ministries to examine sector-specific funding requirements and identify development priorities.
The deliberations are expected to shape recommendations on the allocation of public resources in line with national development priorities.
