Online Reporter
Welcome to our live coverage of the Association of Southern African National Road Agencies (ASANRA) board and committee meeting taking place in Zimbabwe.
This important gathering, which began on Monday and will run through Friday, brings together officials from across Southern Africa, including representatives from Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Angola, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
The focus of this meeting is to enhance and develop an integrated transportation system that aligns with national and regional goals through innovative initiatives.
ASANRA plays a crucial role in improving road infrastructure and transport collaboration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Stay tuned as we provide updates on key discussions, initiatives, and insights from this vital meeting.
Our Reporter Freeman Razemba will provide live coverage of the meeting.
ASANRA’s mandate
The Southern African National Road Agencies (ASANRA) is an association of road agencies in Southern Africa, including the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).
ASANRA is a key partner in the Southern Strategy for Transport and Trade (SSATP).
Its members are mainly from countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
ASANRA’s focus is on improving road infrastructure and transport within the Southern African region.
The association primarily includes national road agencies from SADC countries. ASANRA works collaboratively with other organisations like the SSATP to support regional transport initiatives.
Member States applauded for improving road infrastructure
Government has applauded SADC Member States for their continued efforts in improving road infrastructure across the region.
Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa said this during the ASANRA meeting being held in Harare.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for accepting our invitation to attend these critical meetings. Your presence underscores our shared commitment to advancing regional road infrastructure development.
“Allow me to congratulate all representatives from SADC Member States, namely Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Angola, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini, for your dedication to improving our road networks and fostering regional integration.
“While this visit provides us an opportunity to reflect on our SADC relations and common road infrastructure development aspirations, it is also an occasion to relax and celebrate the successful milestones in our region,” he said.
Zimbabwe committed to sustainable road infrastructure
Zimbabwe will continue to support the Association of Southern African National Road Agencies (ASANRA) initiatives, in the spirit of developing sustainable road transportation within the region and beyond.
Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, is hosting the 46th ASANRA board and committee meetings in Harare.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said road transport infrastructure is a prerequisite for economic development, adding that ASANRA’s efforts align with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
“An efficient transport infrastructure is necessary for any country to compete effectively in today’s economy.
“Sub-Saharan Africa should therefore leapfrog to ensure that the region catches up with our counterparts in the developed world. This is achievable if proper sector reforms are put in place,” Minister Mhona said in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry’s Chief Director of Roads, Engineer David Jana.
He said ASANRA has played a pivotal role in harmonising road safety regulations, enhancing regional policy coordination, and promoting efficient, cost-effective transport systems.
“I am very confident that this 46th Board and Committee meeting of distinguished experts will certainly give our regional bloc the direction which we need in the road sector. Let me reassure you that Zimbabwe will continue to support ASANRA initiatives, in the spirit of developing sustainable road transportation within the region and beyond,” said Minister Mhona.
Online Reporter