Harare’s $9M ZINARA Allocations Falls Short as Road Crisis Deepens

The City of Harare received over USD 9.8 million from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) in 2024 for road rehabilitation, but officials say the amount is insufficient to address the city’s deteriorating road network.

A report presented to the Environmental Management Committee (EMC) in December 2024 revealed that the funds covered only a fraction of the city’s needs. The allocation was primarily directed toward the reconstruction of Dzivarasekwa Road by ZADA Construction and 4th Avenue in Warren Park by Syvern Investments. Despite these projects, only about 10 kilometers of roads were rehabilitated, a small fraction of Harare’s 5,000-kilometer road network that requires urgent attention.

Harare’s total roads budget for 2024 stood at ZWL 185.8 billion, sourced from ZINARA allocations, city revenue, government devolution grants, and loans. ZINARA’s contribution, ZWL 75.2 billion (USD 5.3 million), was one of the primary funding streams, alongside an additional supplementary budget and devolution grants. However, with the city aiming to reconstruct at least 500 kilometers of roads annually, requiring an estimated USD 250 million, the available funding remains grossly inadequate.

By Ruvarashe Gora

ZINARA disbursed funds in phases throughout the year, with significant payments directed toward specific road projects. However, some months saw no disbursements at all. The largest allocations were, ZWL 8.5 billion for routine maintenance in March, ZIG 5 million for Dzivarasekwa Road (ZADA Construction) in June, ZIG 8.1 million for Dzivarasekwa Road (ZADA Construction) in July, also in July another allocation was made for 4th Avenue, Warren Park (Syvern Investments) and rehabilitation of other roads by Bitumen Resources of ZIG 8.8 million. In September there was ZIG 19 million for 4th Avenue, Warren Park (Syvern Investments). In October, ZIG 27.2 million for Dzivarasekwa Road (ZADA Construction) and ZIG 2.9 million for 4th Avenue, Warren Park (Syvern Investments) in December.

Despite these payments, the funds covered only a handful of roads, leaving most of the city’s road network in poor condition.

City officials warn that without a substantial increase in funding, Harare’s road infrastructure will continue to deteriorate. The report emphasizes the need for a long-term funding strategy to ensure sustainable road maintenance.

“We remain committed to advocating for increased funding from ZINARA to improve our road infrastructure,” the EMC report stated.

A review of ZINARA’s national disbursement schedule shows discrepancies in road funding across regions, with some councils receiving full allocations while others face shortfalls. Harare’s allocation, while significant, remains far below the required amount to meet the city’s ambitious road rehabilitation goals.

With thousands of kilometers of roads still in need of urgent reconstruction, residents and city officials alike are calling for greater accountability and increased financial support to prevent further deterioration of Harare’s roads.