eBusiness Weekly
Michael Tome
Government says it is determined to develop a sound infrastructure base which can spur economic growth while reiterating its desire to emerge as the regional transport hub.
Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister, Joel Biggie Matiza highlighted Zimbabwe’s resolve to leverage on its strategic location within the SADC region to emerge as a regional transport hub.
According to government ongoing projects include recapitalization of National Railways of Zimbabwe and upgrading of the major highways particularly the much touted Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu highway.
While addressing delegates attending the just ended the Zimbabwe – Zambia Infrastructure Summit Minister Matiza was however quick to indicate that his portfolio was facing challenges in areas of equipment which is bringing some form of dysfunctionality in terms of operations.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that Zimbabwe requires an estimated US$34 billion dollars to upgrade its infrastructure in the next 10 years.
“Given our strategic location, Zimbabwe must be viewed as a key player in the development of the region. We are focusing on revamping our key infrastructure in order to unlock the potential of the local economy,” said Minister Matiza.
In the aviation sector, he highlighted that work is underway to upgrade the airports while transformation of National Railway of Zimbabwe is underway.
On its part, the Zimbabwean Government says it is exploring different options to finance infrastructure development including Public-Private Partnerships.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo
In his address at the summit Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo called for potential investors to come and explore investment opportunities in the energy and transport sectors.
“Zimbabwe is a key hub within the road and rail corridor in the SADC region. We therefore, welcome an approach which promotes increased investments linked with rehabilitation of our transport infrastructure which encompasses road, rail and aviation.
“Power generation also requires interventions which seek to enhance the national grid. Government has injected a significant amount of capital towards upgrading energy related infrastructure,” said Minister Moyo.
Zambia’s representative at the summit Dr Mumba Ngulube Zulu indicated that improvement of infrastructure particularly by Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa will, “increase gross profit of firms at the same enhancing exploration of new markets.”
A report produced by the Government of Zimbabwe in collaboration with African Development Bank, United Nations and the World Bank Group in 2019, indicates that, adequate supply of infrastructure services is an essential ingredient for productivity and sustained growth.
