NEW: Manyaya appointed Zinara board chair

Online Reporter

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona on Thursday announced additional members to the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) board, with communications guru, Dr George Manyaya, taking over as board chair with immediate effect.

He will be deputised by Ms Lizwe Bunu, whose appointment is effective from January 13, 2022.

In a statement, Minister Mhona said the appointments are in line with the Government’s agenda to revamp parastatals.

“Dr George Manyaya is the new chairman for Zinara and he is deputised by Ms Lizwe Bunu,” he said.

“Dr Manyaya’s appointment is with immediate effect while that of Ms Bunu is effective from 13 January 2022.

“One of the key issues that the board has to deal with immediately is the congestion at the tollgates and corporate governance issues at the institution.”

In his acceptance speech, Dr Manyaya said:

“I would like to thank Government for walking the talk on inclusivity through appointing the youth and enhancing gender parity to various national strategic institutions as demonstrated by today’s appointments.

“We applaud His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe Dr ED Mnangagwa for spearheading the bold and transformative policies as infrastructural development is a key pillar in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).”

He added:

“This role comes with a lot of responsibilities and expectations and when handling statutory funds like the road fund there is a need to manage such with high levels of propriety and probity.

“We will also look into the upgrading and updating of ICT infrastructure and software solutions to increase operational efficiency to ensure speedy and flawless service to all customers.

“Zinara must harness the digital economy and use emerging technologies to counter leakages.”

Dr Manyanya pledged to introduce a robust communication strategy underpinned by transparency, accountability, disclosure and multi-stakeholder engagement so that all stakeholders are always abreast with the institution’s activities.”