By Sani Mbofana
The Mayor of Harare, Cllr Jacob Mafume, has lamented the lack of meaningful disbursements by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) to local authorities, which has severely hindered road construction and repairs in cities across the country.
Speaking at a ZINARA-organized workshop in Bulawayo, where he represented the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) as Acting President, Mafume expressed his frustration with the current funding formula employed by ZINARA. This formula, which was recommended by the World Bank, prioritizes the allocation of funds to remote areas, leaving urban centers with inadequate resources to address their deteriorating road infrastructure.
Mafume emphasized the need for a revised conversation that would lead to a more equitable distribution of funds, one that acknowledges the disproportionate burden of road maintenance faced by cities. He stressed that the current arrangement has resulted in urban roads being “in total disaster” and requires urgent attention.
Furthermore, the UCAZ Acting President called for local authorities to receive a share of other revenue streams, such as the fuel levy, which historically fell under their purview. These funds were previously utilized for road repairs and maintenance, but are now being managed by ZINARA.
To put this into perspective, Harare received a mere 19% of its allocation, while other cities like Bulawayo received 35.6%, Gweru got less than 38%, and Mutare received 45%. This disparity highlights the significant funding shortfall faced by local authorities.
However, Mafume also acknowledged that local authorities have a critical role to play in ensuring that the disbursed funds are utilized effectively and timeously. He strongly urged local authorities to improve their management of funds, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to address the pressing needs of road maintenance.
Mafume however commended ZINARA for improved communication with local authorities and stakeholders, as marked by the workshop held in Bulawayo. This development is seen as a step in the right direction, as it fosters collaboration and transparency between ZINARA and local authorities.
Mafume’s sentiments echo the concerns of many urban dwellers who have to navigate the potholed and crumbling roads that plague cities like Harare and Bulawayo. As the country’s urban population continues to grow, the need for a more sustainable and equitable funding model for road maintenance becomes increasingly pressing.