Zimbabwe moves to fast-track completion of stalled Mashonaland projects

GOVERNMENT has rolled out a comprehensive plan to accelerate the completion of more than 200 high-impact infrastructure projects whose prolonged delays have weighed down local economic development.

Under the 2026 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme, authorities have prioritised 226 stalled projects identified through a nationwide audit, with ministries now under instruction to ensure their completion within the current financial year.

To support the initiative, Government has set aside ZiG14 billion, equivalent to about US$500 million, to fund an expansive infrastructure development drive this year, with a significant portion of the allocation earmarked for the completion of the stalled projects.

The programme adopts a phased implementation approach, starting with at least 10 high-impact projects in each province that are already more than 70 percent complete. These projects will be prioritised to deliver quick wins and ensure efficient use of public resources.

"Following the conducting of an audit on the current status of stalled construction projects across various ministries, departments and agencies, it was envisaged that a total of 226 projects remained incomplete," reads the programme.

"Given the above, there is need to facilitate the completion of the stalled projects as they are key in providing critical public infrastructure, which stimulates local economic development whilst ensuring efficient use of State resources."

As part of the rollout, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) have been directed to carry out detailed assessments of the selected priority projects, focusing on their current physical status, outstanding contractual obligations and the requirements needed to bring them to completion.

"In order to facilitate the completion of stalled projects, Government will undertake a phased approach commencing with focus being on 10 high-impact priority projects in each of the country's provinces, specifically targeting those that are over 70 percent complete," the programme states.

"Pursuant to the above, and also taking into consideration the value-for-money principle, MDAs are required to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the selected priority projects in terms of their current physical status, outstanding contractual obligations, requirements to completion and programme of works."

Government will also revalidate contracts signed during the pre-dollarisation era to align them with current economic conditions, costs and pricing structures, a move aimed at ensuring project viability and value for money.

"Furthermore, MDAs are required to undertake contract revalidations considering that the majority of the contracts were done during the pre-dollarisation era," the document adds.

In the agriculture sector, priority projects include the Gwayi-Shangani Dam and its associated pipeline, Kunzvi Dam and water treatment facilities, the Tugwi-Mukosi Irrigation Scheme, rehabilitation of irrigation demonstration plots countrywide, the Off-Grid Smallholder Farmer-Led Irrigation Systems Programme, the National Irrigation Programme and the Virtual Irrigation Academy.

Key transport projects earmarked for fast-tracking include the Harare–Kanyemba Road dualisation, Harare–Chirundu Road, Murambinda–Birchenough Bridge and the Chipinge–Mount Selinda Road.

Other projects set for completion include staff houses at Chirundu, Zimra's fiscalisation systems, a national Learning Management System, rehabilitation of the Robert Mugabe International Airport VIP lounge and completion of the Chancery construction in Abuja, Nigeria.

Government will also prioritise development of the new city at Mt Hampden, alongside rehabilitation of major hospitals and schools across the country.

Authorities say completing the stalled projects will unlock economic value, improve service delivery and ensure public investment delivers tangible development outcomes for communities nationwide.