Zinara disburses ZiG3,8bn for roadworks

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has released ZiG3,8 billion (about US$140 million) and 746 000 litres of fuel to local and road authorities across the country between January and June this year, resulting in more than 18 000km of roadworks being carried out nationwide.

The funds form part of the ZiG12,7 billion budgeted for road development and maintenance in 2025 under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP). According to Zinara's mid-year disbursement tracking report, 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 the 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," Zinara said in a statement.

Urban councils received ZiG149,5 million from an allocation of ZiG323 million, reflecting 46 percent utilisation. Rural district councils used ZiG113,6 million out of ZiG246,9 million (also 46 percent), while the Department of Roads drew ZiG173,2 million of its ZiG407,5 million allocation (43 percent). The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) recorded the lowest uptake, using only ZiG33,1 million of its ZiG292 million budget (11 percent).

Zinara noted that the prolonged rainy season slowed progress in the first quarter, but activity picked up in the second quarter, closing the half year at 10 percent above target.

Fuel support also proved vital, with 746 000 litres distributed to road authorities by mid-year. The Department of Roads accounted for 56 percent of the uptake, while rural district councils used 38 percent. Zinara said the blended model of providing both money and fuel was ensuring uninterrupted works, particularly in remote areas.

Large-scale projects such as highways recorded slower budget utilisation due to preparatory processes, including feasibility studies, tendering and contractor mobilisation. By mid-year, ZiG572,6 million had been disbursed for high-impact projects out of a ZiG3,3 billion budget (17 percent).

Highway rehabilitation, which has the largest allocation of ZiG5,37 billion, received ZiG1,6 billion (31 percent utilisation). Zinara said spending is expected to rise in the second half of the year as projects move into the active construction phase.

Beyond funding, Zinara is also financing equipment procurement. Gwanda Municipality, for instance, acquired a grader, iron roller and tipper truck worth US$450 000, with Zinara contributing US$232 000. The authority said such investments would reduce hiring costs and strengthen capacity for routine maintenance.

"As Zinara moves into the second half of the year, the focus is now on supporting road authorities to acquit and access further funding for their planned programmes. The road fund manager is also stepping up engagement with authorities, offering technical support and clearer implementation guidelines to resolve challenges and speed up fund absorption," the agency said.