Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu-Senior Reporter
A COMPREHENSIVE plan has been set in motion to fast-track the completion of more than 200 high-impact infrastructure projects whose extended delays have slowed local economic development.
The Government has set aside ZiG14 billion (about US$500 million) to fund an expansive infrastructure development programme this year, with a significant portion of the funding earmarked for the completion of the stalled 200 high-impact projects.
Under the 2026 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme, authorities have prioritised 226 stalled projects identified through a nationwide audit, with ministries now under instruction to move with speed to ensure their completion within the current financial year.
The programme outlines a phased approach to complete the projects, beginning with at least 10 high-impact projects in each province that are already more than 70 percent complete.
These will be prioritised to ensure quick wins and efficient use of public resources.
According to the investment plan, Government has lined up a wide range of infrastructure projects across all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), following an audit that revealed that 226 projects remained incomplete by the end of last year.
“Following the conducting of an audit on the current status of stalled construction projects across various ministries, departments and agencies, it was envisaged that a total of 226 projects remained incomplete,” reads the programme.
“Given the above, there is need to facilitate the completion of the stalled projects as they are key in providing critical public infrastructure, which stimulates local economic development whilst ensuring efficient use of State resources.”
As part of the implementation process, Government has directed MDAs to carry out a comprehensive analysis of selected priority projects, focusing on their current physical status, outstanding contractual obligations and the requirements needed to complete them.
“In order to facilitate the completion of stalled projects, Government will undertake a phased approach commencing with focus being on 10 high-impact priority projects in each of the country’s provinces, specifically targeting those that are over 70 percent complete,” the programme states.
“Pursuant to the above, and also taking into consideration the value-for-money principle, MDAs are required to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the selected priority projects in terms of their current physical status, outstanding contractual obligations, requirements to completion and programme of works.”
The programme further indicates that Government will avail resources to enable the resumption of works and will revalidate contracts that were signed during the pre-dollarisation era. This process is meant to realign old contracts with current economic conditions, costs and pricing structures, ensuring they remain viable and deliver value for money.
“Furthermore, MDAs are required to undertake contract revalidations considering that the majority of the contracts were done during the pre-dollarisation era,” the document states.
“During 2026, resources will be made available to facilitate commencement of works towards completion of prioritised stalled projects.”
In the agriculture sector, priority projects include Gwayi-Shangani Dam and the associated pipeline, Kunzvi Dam and its water treatment facilities, Tugwi-Mukosi Irrigation Scheme, upgrading and rehabilitation of irrigation demonstration plots countrywide, the Off-Grid Smallholder Farmer-Led Irrigation Systems Programme, the National Irrigation Programme and the Virtual Irrigation Academy.
Under the transport sector, Government will prioritise the Harare–Kanyemba Road dualisation project, the Harare–Chirundu Road, Murambinda–Birchenough Bridge, and the Chipinge–Mount Selinda Road.
Other projects earmarked for completion include Chirundu staff houses, Zimra’s fiscalisation systems, a Learning Management System, rehabilitation of the Robert Mugabe International Airport VIP lounge, and completion of the Chancery construction in Abuja, Nigeria.
In addition, Government will prioritise the development of the new city in Mt Hampden, as well as the rehabilitation of major hospitals and schools across the country.
Authorities say the completion of the stalled projects will unlock economic value, improve service delivery and ensure that public investments translate into tangible development outcomes for communities nationwide.
