Harare, (New Ziana)-The government has prioritised the rehabilitation of roads in the 2021 National Budget through the allocation of ZWL$31.6 billion, most of which will go towards the Harare- Beitbridge modernisation project, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said on Thursday.

Presenting the 2021 National Budget statement, Prof Ncube said prioritising development of roads was in line with the recently launched National Development Strategy (NDS).

“Consistent with the NDS1, investments under the Road Development Programme will be prioritised in 2021, with overall support towards the roads sub-sector amounting to ZWL$31.6 billion, comprising of fiscal resources (ZWL$24.1 billion), Road Fund interventions (ZWL$6 billion) and development partner support (ZWL$629 million).

“Of the above amount, significant resources will go towards the Harare- Beitbridge Project, consistent with the target to complete an additional 200 km in 2021 that should enable overall completion of the project in 2022,” he said.

Five local companies are constructing the critical highway, which stretches to Chirundu and links Zimbabwe and South Africa with the rest of the continent.

Prof Ncube said other regional trunk road projects, implemented through the Department of Roads, have an allocation of ZWL$1.7 billion, targeting decongestion of three main urban roads (Mbudzi Overpass Detours, Lomagundi Road and Esigodini Road) as well as other upgrading works.

“A good transport network is regarded as a crucial enabler for trade and development as it allows movement of people and commodities from one point to another. An improved transport sector will help in creating a conducive environment for business through reducing costs of production and increasing efficiency in trading and commerce, among other benefits,” said Prof Ncube.
New Ziana