Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has been applauded for hosting the recent 46th Association of Southern African National Road Agencies (ASANRA) board and committee meeting, aimed at supporting and developing an integrated transportation system that meets national and regional goals and objectives.
The meeting, which started last Monday and ended on Friday last week, was attended by officials from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Angola, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
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 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.
ASANRA’s focuses 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.
ASNRA president Engineer Elias Paulo also said they had met at a time when the demands on their road infrastructure were increasing, driven by economic growth, cross-border trade, urbanisation and other needs for greater regional integration.
“These demands present both challenges and opportunities. It is incumbent upon us, as passengers of the road infrastructure development in the region, to respond with foresight, innovation and cooperation. This meeting is particularly significant as we will be reviewing the progress made in our activities during the 2024-2025 financial year.
“This is an opportunity to assess the milestones we have achieved, the lessons learned and areas where we must do more,” he said.
“Our discussions will also focus on approving the plan and the budget for the 2026 financial year, a process that is critical to ensuring we remain aligned with our strategic goals and regional development priorities.”
Eng Paulo said they used the platform to review how they were strengthening partnerships with regional bodies and working partners.
