Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve,Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has laid a solid foundation for a transformative year of road infrastructure development and maintenance, with significant disbursements and project milestones achieved in the first half of 2025.
According to ZINARA’s Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Disbursement Tracking Report as at 30 June 2025, the administration has demonstrated high-impact budget utilisation, strategic prioritisation, and a commitment to revitalising the country’s road network.
With a total annual budget of ZWG 12.7 billion, ZINARA disbursed ZWG 3.8 billion by the end of June, representing 30 percent budget utilisation.
“The first half of 2025 presented a critical period for ZINARA, setting the stage for an impactful year of road infrastructure development and maintenance. With a total annual budget of ZWG 12, 7 billion, ZINARA had disbursed ZWG 3, 8 billion by the end of June, representing 30 percent budget utilisation. In the same period, the administration issued 746,000 litres of fuel, representing 37 percent utilization of the full-year budget.
“More than 18 000km of various scales of roadworks have been undertaken in the period, while 8 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,” reads the report.
According to the report, during the period under review, ZINARA funded various road projects with urban councils across the country receiving ZWG 149,5 million out of a total allocation of ZWG 323 million, achieving a 46 percent utilisation rate.
“Similarly, Rural District Councils (RDCs) received ZWG 113,6million reaching 46 percent utilisation. The Department of Roads (DOR), a key player in maintaining the trunk road network, had absorbed ZWG 173,2 million of its ZWG 407, 5 million allocation, translating to 43 percent utilisation while RIDA (Rural Infrastructure Development Agency) had used ZWL 33, 1 million from a total budget of ZWG 292 million, representing an 11 percent drawdown.
Across the board, progress was significantly impacted by the prolonged rainy season this year, consequently impacting rate of disbursement drawdown. 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 is closed the period under review at 10 percent above year to date target,” reads the report.
The report underscores ZINARA’s focus on due diligence, regulatory compliance, and project readiness, which have been critical in driving progress.
Additionally, eight road maintenance units were resuscitated, bringing the total number of functioning units to 76 across the country.
These units play a pivotal role in ensuring timely repairs and maintenance, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The report highlights ZINARA’s targeted approach to addressing infrastructure gaps in major cities and provinces, with notable progress in Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo, Masvingo, and the Midlands.
ZINARA remains steadfast in its mandate to fund and support the maintenance of a modern, safe, and efficient national road network.
The administration’s disbursement strategy prioritises projects that align with national development goals, including the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
By focusing on road rehabilitation, ZINARA is not only enhancing mobility but also stimulating local economies through job creation and improved access to markets.
