The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has commended the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) for stronger financial management and governance, while calling for greater accountability and efficiency in the use of road funds. The message was delivered at ZINARA’s 10th Annual General Meeting, held yesterday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Harare.
Minister’s Message
Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Adv. F.T. Mhona, was represented by Mr Takura Vengesa, the Director of Strategic Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, who delivered the Minister’s keynote address.
The Minister commended ZINARA for strengthening its financial management and corporate governance, including securing its third consecutive clean external audit opinion.
Accountability and Timely Disbursements
The Minister stressed the importance of accountability and the efficient use of road funds. He also emphasised the need for timely disbursements to Road Authorities, so that money collected translates into tangible improvements in road maintenance and rehabilitation.
ZINARA is responsible for mobilising and disbursing funds for the country’s road network, which makes the speed and transparency of those payments central to how quickly potholes are fixed and strategic routes are rehabilitated.
Tollgates and Digital Payments
The Minister also highlighted the need to enhance tollgate efficiency, expand digital payment solutions and strengthen monitoring systems. These measures are aimed at improving service delivery and the experience of the travelling public.
Faster, cashless payments can reduce queues at tollgates, while stronger monitoring can help close revenue leakages and improve accountability for the money collected.
Aligning with Vision 2030
The Ministry noted that Zimbabwe is advancing towards Vision 2030 under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). It reaffirmed the importance of working closely with ZINARA and Road Authorities to rehabilitate strategic road corridors, strengthen infrastructure resilience and support economic growth.
“The focus is clear,” the Ministry said: turning road funds into better roads, improved connectivity and lasting development.
Who Attended
The AGM was attended by ZINARA Board Chair Dr. G. Manyaya, board members and management. Members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development, led by Hon. T. Karikoga, were also present, alongside various stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
The Ministry’s statement did not give financial figures, disbursement amounts or specific project timelines. Those details are expected to emerge as ZINARA and the Road Authorities implement the priorities outlined at the meeting.
Under the banner “Building Zimbabwe, kilometre by kilometre,” the Ministry’s message to ZINARA was clear: sound governance must be matched by visible results on the country’s roads.
