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The two are among many capital projects in Matabeleland region that have missed completion deadlines on numerous occasions due to inadequate funding.
Presenting the Mid-Term Budget Review Statement in Parliament on Wednesday, Minister Biti said the Mtshabezi project was nearing completion.
“The laying of the pipeline has been completed and construction of tanks one and two completed. Also completed were the three reservoirs, the 2 300 cubic metre sump and superstructure for five staff houses. Works in progress include steel fittings, installation of pumps and motors, finishes for the houses as well as the dedicated electricity line,” said Minister Biti.
“The State Procurement Board has now awarded the tender for the supply of electricity to the pump station and the project is expected to be complete by September 2012.”
The Mtshabezi project is regarded as a short-term solution to Bulawayo’s perennial water woes.
However, the project might take longer than expected after one of the companies that applied for the tender for the installation of electricity has since dragged the State Procurement Board to court over alleged irregularities in the awarding of the tender.
Turning to the JMN International Airport Minister Biti said the impasse over its funding has been resolved.
He said the project stopped in June last year following a misunderstanding between the Government and the contractor over costs.
“Honourable Members will be aware that work at the JM Nkomo Airport stopped in June last year following concerns over the rapid cost escalations emanating from variations to the works as well as the huge financial demands by the contractors to complete the current works,” he said.
“Following the resolution of the contentious issues around the implementation of the project, I am happy to announce that work will resume this month. This will enable operationalisation of the airport by year end.”
The project was allocated $10,5 million in the 2012 National Budget.
The commissioning of the new terminal building was initially scheduled for April last year before being shifted to June and later on to end of July last year.
It was further postponed to end of last year before being postponed indefinitely.
On the Victoria Falls Airport, Minister Biti said the Government has concluded the financing of the upgrading exercise as part of preparations for the global tourism convention that Zimbabwe will co-host with Zambia in September next year.
“In preparation for the 20th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly to be held in Victoria Falls, Government is upgrading the airport to cater for wide bodied aircraft and increased traffic. Financing arrangements for the project have been concluded and the site was handed over to the contractor on 6 June 2012 paving way for commencement of the works,” said Minister Biti.
Online Reporter