Source: Private sector key to transport infrastructure growth – herald
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has enjoined the private sector to step up as a key partner in infrastructure development, encouraging structured contracting and maintenance arrangements, innovative financing models and technical support.
It said effective transport delivery required collaboration between central Government, local authorities, parastatals, and the private sector.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona made the remarks on Thursday during a presentation titled, “The Role of the Transport Sector in Streamlining Strategic Thinking for Effective Delivery of NDS 2” at the Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking (ZIST) NDS2 stakeholders’ conference held in Mutoko.
Minister Mhona said the transport sector is not merely about moving goods and people — it is the backbone of strategic planning for the successful implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
“Let me begin by emphasising that transport is not only a sector, it is a national enabler. Roads, rail, inland waterways, air, and logistics systems determine how quickly ideas, goods, people, and services move across Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Without reliable transport networks and efficient logistics, strategic plans remain paper promises, and economic blueprints cannot translate into real outcomes.”
The minister also outlined his ministry’s core responsibilities: overseeing and guiding the development of the nation’s transport and infrastructure sectors.
This includes formulating and implementing national policies, planning and maintaining transport infrastructure, ensuring compliance with national and international standards, and enforcing relevant regulations, treaties, and protocols.
“In line with this mandate, the Government is steadfast in its commitment to fostering a favourable business environment,” he said.
He added that transport investments should be planned around outcomes such as increased trade and market access, stronger regional and national integration, a reduced cost of doing business, job creation along value chains, and higher resilience to disruptions like fuel price volatility and weather events.
Minister Mhona acknowledged that while the current state of roads presents challenges, it also offers growth opportunities. “We firmly believe that the private sector plays a crucial role in this transformation. Therefore, we must move from isolated projects to integrated transport programmes,” he said.
Key road initiatives include the completion of the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway project by year’s end, the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, the construction and rehabilitation of the Harare–Chirundu Road, the Harare–Nyamapanda road construction and border post modernisation, the rehabilitation of the Harare–Kanyemba Road, and the Bulawayo–Nkayi Road construction, among other projects.
The minister described the railway sector as strategic for efficient cargo and passenger movement, serving as a critical link in the national supply chain. However, he noted that much of the railway infrastructure is dilapidated.
“Substantial investment is needed,” he said, highlighting rehabilitation of network infrastructure, modern locomotives and wagons, and advanced signalling and communication technologies.
Minister Mhona pointed to the potential of inland waterways, specifically the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, where investment in modern harbours and slipways could create local jobs and stimulate economic activity. With air traffic growing, the minister said modernisation, expansion, and rehabilitation of airports are essential. He noted that significant strides have already been made, with all three international airports successfully upgraded, positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive player in regional aviation.
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