News / National
Ministry Clarifies Road Construction Cost Discrepancies
54 mins ago |
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LUPANE – The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has moved to clarify concerns over discrepancies in road construction costs across Zimbabwe, with Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe stressing that uniform distances may vary in cost depending on engineering and logistical variables.
Speaking during a media tour of the ongoing Lupane–Nkayi–Kwekwe highway project, Makumbe outlined several factors influencing expenditure.
“We have noted that some sections of the public expressed frustration and dismay over cost discrepancies amongst our roads even within the same distances. Proximity to water sources, gradient, and soil texture significantly impact construction expenses,” she said.
Makumbe explained that projects near water bodies or hilly terrain require specialised engineering, which increases costs. Labour dynamics also play a role, particularly in border provinces where some workers demand partial or full payment in foreign currency due to cross-border transactions.
She added that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), project scale, resource accessibility, and seasonal factors such as rainy periods further contribute to variations. Contractual obligations and project timelines may also lead to adjustments.
“Variation in project timing and contractual obligations lead to cost adjustments. Seasonal factors, like rainy periods, may delay work and increase expenses,” Makumbe noted.
The clarification comes amid growing scrutiny of infrastructure projects, with the Ministry emphasising transparency and optimisation of local resources in line with Vision 2030.
The Lupane–Nkayi–Kwekwe road, currently under construction by Road Trackers Construction under a PPP arrangement, is expected to reduce the distance from Harare to Victoria Falls by 170 kilometres. Motorists will turn off from Kwekwe instead of passing through Bulawayo, cutting travel time. The project is scheduled for completion within five years.
Speaking during a media tour of the ongoing Lupane–Nkayi–Kwekwe highway project, Makumbe outlined several factors influencing expenditure.
“We have noted that some sections of the public expressed frustration and dismay over cost discrepancies amongst our roads even within the same distances. Proximity to water sources, gradient, and soil texture significantly impact construction expenses,” she said.
Makumbe explained that projects near water bodies or hilly terrain require specialised engineering, which increases costs. Labour dynamics also play a role, particularly in border provinces where some workers demand partial or full payment in foreign currency due to cross-border transactions.
She added that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), project scale, resource accessibility, and seasonal factors such as rainy periods further contribute to variations. Contractual obligations and project timelines may also lead to adjustments.
“Variation in project timing and contractual obligations lead to cost adjustments. Seasonal factors, like rainy periods, may delay work and increase expenses,” Makumbe noted.
The clarification comes amid growing scrutiny of infrastructure projects, with the Ministry emphasising transparency and optimisation of local resources in line with Vision 2030.
The Lupane–Nkayi–Kwekwe road, currently under construction by Road Trackers Construction under a PPP arrangement, is expected to reduce the distance from Harare to Victoria Falls by 170 kilometres. Motorists will turn off from Kwekwe instead of passing through Bulawayo, cutting travel time. The project is scheduled for completion within five years.
Source - Byo24news
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