THE government has unveiled plans to strengthen the capacity of Rural District Councils (RDCs) through direct investment in road maintenance equipment, in a bid to restore the country’s deteriorating infrastructure network and reduce reliance on private contractors.
Speaking at a media tour of the road projects, Transport and Infrastructure Development deputy Minister Joshua Sacco said the initiative will be financed through the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) fund, which will provide RDCs with essential machinery such as tippers, graders and other road maintenance equipment.
“And therefore, the issue around capacitation as a Ministry, to get our maintenance units up and going so that we don't contract out maintenance work.
"But also, capacitating our RIDCs with equipment through a Zanara fund, where our RIDCs will be equipped with tippers, graders and so forth, so that works can be done at that level,” Sacco said.
The government’s new approach marks a shift toward empowering local authorities to carry out road maintenance and rehabilitation directly — a move seen as key to sustaining Zimbabwe’s extensive rural transport network.
Officials say the strategy is expected to reduce maintenance costs and stimulate local job creation.
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Sacco said the infrastructure restoration drive also extends to air transport, with notable progress in airport upgrades.
“Ultimately, as a Ministry, we really want to restore our road network across the country. Working with airports, we are upgraded the RGM International Airport and are looking at Victoria Falls Airport, while looking at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport in Bulawayo,” he said.
The capacitation programme forms part of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 strategy, which identifies modern infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth and national connectivity.