Zinara sets stage for transformative road network overhaul

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 its Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) disbursement tracking report for the period ending 30 June 2025, Zinara demonstrated high-impact budget utilisation, strategic prioritisation and a commitment to revitalising the country’s road network.

With a total annual budget of ZWG12,7 billion, Zinara disbursed ZWG3,8 billion by mid-year, 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 ZWG12, 7 billion, Zinara had disbursed ZWG3,8 billion by the end of

June, representing 30 percent budget utilisation,” read the report.

“In the same period, the administration issued 746 000 litres of fuel, being 37 percent utilisation of the full year budget.”

The ERRP, launched in 2021 as part of the Government’s broader infrastructure recovery drive, seeks to rehabilitate roads damaged by years of neglect and extreme weather, while also improving rural access routes crucial for agricultural markets.

Under the programme, Zinara’s funding covers trunk roads, urban streets and rural feeder roads.

Between January and June this year, more than 18 000km of roadworks of varying scales were undertaken, while eight road maintenance units were resuscitated, bringing the total number of operational units nationwide to 76.

These units are essential for timely repairs, especially in rural and under-served areas.

“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 ZWG149,5 million out of a total allocation of ZWG323 million, achieving a 46 percent utilisation rate.

The prolonged rainy season was cited as a major factor slowing project implementation in the first quarter.

Rural District Councils received ZWG113,6 million reaching 46 percent utilisation.

The Department of Roads, 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 the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (Rida) had used ZWG33,1 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 the 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 closed the period under review at 10 percent above year to date target,” reads the report.

The report highlights Zinrara’s emphasis on due diligence, regulatory compliance, and project readiness, which have been crucial in advancing 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 under-served areas.

The report highlights Zinara’s targeted approach to addressing infrastructure gaps in major cities and provinces, with notable progress in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South, Masvingo and the Midlands.

Zinara said its disbursement strategy is aligned with National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritises modern, safe and efficient transport infrastructure as a driver of economic growth.

By focusing on road rehabilitation, Zinara is not only enhancing mobility but also stimulating local economies through job creation and improved access to market.