Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) disbursed ZiG3,8 billion (about US$140 million) and 746 000 litres of fuel to road and local authorities countrywide between January and June this year, resulting in more than 18 000km of roadworks being undertaken across the country.
The funds are part of the ZiG12,7 billion that Zinara set aside for road infrastructure development and maintenance in 2025.
According to Zinara’s Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) disbursement tracking report for the period ending June 30, the allocations represent 30 percent utilisation of the annual financial budget and 37 percent utilisation of the fuel budget.
“More than 18 000km of various scales of roadworks have been undertaken in the period, while eight road maintenance units were resuscitated during the period, bringing total number of functioning units to 76 nationwide.
“The level of disbursement uptake and output reflects a careful and systematic rollout approach, prioritising due diligence, regulatory compliance and project readiness,” said
Zinara.
Sectoral disbursements
Urban councils received ZiG149,5 million out of a total allocation of ZiG323 million, translating to 46 percent utilisation, while rural district councils absorbed ZiG113,6 million, also at 46 percent utilisation.
The Department of Roads (DoR), responsible for the trunk road network, used ZiG173,2 million of its ZiG407,5 million allocation, representing 43 percent utilisation.
The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), however, drew down only ZiG33,1 million of its ZiG292 million budget, representing a utilisation rate of 11 percent.
Zinara noted that progress was slowed in the first quarter by the prolonged rainy season, which affected project implementation.
However, disbursements and roadworks activity picked up in the second quarter, closing the half year at 10 percent above target.
“This pattern has since shifted as noted by the gradual increase in disbursement drawdown in the second quarter of the year and the significant progress on roadworks, which closed the period under review at 10 percent above year-to-date target,” said Zinara.
Fuel support
By mid-year, road authorities had received and utilised 746 000 litres of fuel, ensuring uninterrupted maintenance works.
Zinara said the blended disbursement model — providing both funds and fuel — was proving highly effective, especially in urgent and remote projects.
The Department of Roads recorded the highest uptake of fuel allocations, using 56 percent of its annual provision, while rural district councils drew down 38 percent.
“A substantial 746 000 litres of fuel had already been utilised, reflecting a 37 percent year-to-date utilisation rate.
“The blended disbursement model, where Zinara provides both financial disbursements and fuel, is proving effective and impactful, especially in urgent or remote roadworks,” Zinara said.
Large-scale projects
High-impact road projects and highway rehabilitation recorded slower budget utilisation in the first half of the year, largely due to lengthy preparatory processes such as feasibility studies, tender evaluations and contractor mobilisation.
Out of a total allocation of ZiG3,3 billion for high-impact projects, ZiG572,6 million had been disbursed by mid-year (17 percent).
Highway rehabilitation, which had the largest allocation of ZiG5,37 billion, received ZiG1,6 billion, reflecting a 31 percent utilisation.
“These figures should be interpreted in the context of the lengthy preparatory phases required for such projects ranging from feasibility studies and tender evaluations to contractor mobilisation and procurement compliance,” said the roads authority.
“Furthermore, the delaying impact of this year’s rainy season must also be taken into account.
“Currently, a significant number of these road projects are entering the active construction phase in the second half of the year and the financial drawdowns are expected to increase exponentially as the implementation phase progresses.”
Zinara also disbursed ZiG6,7 million towards the resuscitation of road maintenance units.
Eight units were revived in the first half of the year, bringing the total number of functional units to 76 countrywide.
Capacitation of road authorities
Some local authorities have also begun procuring equipment using Zinara disbursements.
Gwanda Municipality, for example, recently purchased a grader, iron roller and tipper truck worth US$450 000, with Zinara contributing US$232 000.
Zinara said such initiatives were critical in reducing hiring costs and improving capacity for routine road maintenance.
“As Zinara moves into the second half of the year, the focus is now on supporting road authorities acquit and access further funding for their planned road maintenance programmes.
“The road fund manager is also stepping up engagement with road authorities, offering technical support and clearer implementation guidelines to resolve local challenges and speed up fund absorption.”
