Mhona warns underperforming contractors, invites diaspora firms to deliver infrastructure projects

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has issued a stern warning to construction companies failing to meet government expectations on road and transport projects, declaring that non-performing contractors will be disengaged.

Speaking during a tour of the Plumtree-Mayitengwe road rehabilitation, Mhona said the government is intensifying oversight to ensure efficiency and accountability in national infrastructure delivery.

"With the advent of the PRAZ, which is the procurement board, all contracts are subjected to a review and if you do procurement tenders, there is also an independent board that will re-look at the contract and give a note if it is above board," Mhona said.

He emphasised that only competent and reliable firms will be retained.

"The government is determined to ensure that only competent and reliable firms remain engaged on key projects because we prioritise service delivery. Dealing with human beings, at times you think that you have the best player and when it comes to the issue of real work, it might not be in tandem with your expectations."



Mhona added that the government will not hesitate to terminate contracts for companies that fail to perform.

"Meanwhile, you should know that this is an ongoing process and if they fail to perform, the contracts will be terminated."

He also extended an invitation to Zimbabweans in the diaspora with the skills and capacity to contribute to infrastructure development.

"We have seen that there are several companies owned even by Zimbabweans in the diaspora who have the capacity and requisites that suit government's expectations for exceptional service delivery. We extend invitation to them that they come and get engaged to work on infrastructural developments needed by our country."

Mhona praised diaspora contributions toward Zimbabwe's Vision 2030, which aims to achieve upper-middle income status.

"We have confidence in them that they deliver according to state expectations and best standards. Their contributions, tireless efforts and quest for complementing Zimbabwe's Vision for attaining an upper-middle income economic status by 2030 has been noted."

Meanwhile, ZANU PF Matabeleland South provincial chairperson Mangaliso Ndlovu welcomed the Transport Ministry's efforts to improve connectivity in the region.

"We have noted that our province has realised progress in terms of connectivity and mobility which has been added through the Transport Ministry's roads construction and rehabilitation overdrive," Ndlovu said.

"As you are aware that the party, ZANU PF, will be hosting Uhuru Celebrations next year, we are happy that the province is also witnessing development which will ultimately result in the province's economic growth. This is a sign that ZANU PF is a party which spearheads economic emancipation and empowerment through efficient road networking which improves ease of doing business."