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Blessings Chidakwa Correspondent
Government has set aside $28 million for local authorities to buy graders as part of efforts to repair the country’s road network. The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) recently handed over a fleet of 80 motorised graders to various local authorities. Formerly, the graders were being leased to councils. During his recent visit to Chinhoyi, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo said only local authorities, whose books of accounts were up-to-date, would access the $28 million facility for the purchase of new road maintenance equipment.

“There is $28 million set aside by Zinara for councils to buy new graders,” he said.

Dr Gumbo said Local Government Minister July Moyo and Finance and Economic Planning Minister Patrick Chinamasa were willing to assist councils so that their books are up to date to borrow the money, which will be used for infrastructural development.”

Government statistics show that 80 percent of the country’s road network is gravel, while 20 percent is surfaced or sealed roads. Dr Gumbo urged local authorities to pursue other innovative strategies such as public private partnerships. Road engineers say the country’s road network has outlived its lifespan and Government needs to spend over $5,5 billion to rehabilitate all the roads.