From Plumtree, the 800km road covers Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Kadoma, Harare and Rusape up to Mutare. Transport, Communication and Infrastructure Development Minister Nicholas Goche and Finance Minister Tendai Biti signed the deal in
Harare.
The DBSA was represented by its executive vice president Mr Adamassu Tadesse. This follows the formation of Infralink, a joint venture company between the Zimbabwe National Road Authority and Group Five International of South Africa.
Zinara has a 70 percent shareholding in the joint venture while Group Five International has 30 percent.
Government says Group Five International is a renowned company that has constructed major highways and airports in South Africa. It is Infralink that applied for funding from the DBSA for the upgrading of the Plumtree-Mutare Road that culminated in the signing of the deal yesterday. Minister Goche said the signing of the deal had shown the confidence
some investors like the DBSA had in Zimbabwes economy.
For us in Zimbabwe, this is an important occasion. We have travelled all over the world to look for people who can invest in our country. The fact that now we have this funding by DBSA for the construction of the Harare-Mutare and Harare-Plumtree road has shown that our neighbours have confidence in our country, he said. He lauded DBSA for the funding and urged the bank to consider investing in the upgrading of other roads such as the Harare-Beitbridge and Harare-Chirundu highways.
Minister Goche also highlighted the need for investment in the countrys rail network for easy movement of bulk goods, adding the continued use of roads by heavy vehicles contributed to speedy dilapidation. He said the Ministry of Finance played a critical role leading to the signing of the deal. Minister Biti described the occasion as a landmark day in our
calendar as Government.
It is a revolution in our country. I would like to thank the bank for showing confidence at a time we do not have friends, he said. Minister Biti said Zimbabwe was doing better than several other countries where investors were pouring millions of dollars. We get judged by other things but you (DBSA) were not fooled by the makeup and you decided to go for the substance . . . We are unlocking value for the economy through these deals, he said.
Minister Biti urged the DBSA to explore other investment opportunities in the country. We have seen the work you have done in transforming South Africa. We have seen some of your work in the Middle East. We do not want a once
off relationship. We want a permanent relationship. I would want to regard this agreement as appetising, he said. Mr Tadesse said the revival of Zimbabwes economy in the last two years encouraged the bank to invest in the country. He said the upgrading of the Plumtree-Mutare road would not only benefit the country but the region as a whole. Zimbabwe is strategically positioned in the region and that gave us the impetus to sign the project . . . This is the beginning of an
exciting journey, Mr Tadesse said.
According to Zinara chief executive officer, Mr Frank Chitukutuku, the Plumtree-Mutare road was going to be widened and resurfaced among other things such as markings. Group Five International are the main contractors but they will
subcontract most of the work to local companies, Mr Chitukutuku said. The rehabilitation of the road is expected to begin in June this year.
Government said it chose the Plumtree-Mutare highway for rehabilitation because it was the busiest city to city road in the
country. Government introduced tollgates in all highways where motorists pay for the use of the infrastructure.
Post published in: News