By Desire Tshuma
BULAWAYO – Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Hon. Felix Mhona has urged public entity boards to provide strategic leadership as Zimbabwe pushes toward Vision 2030.
Addressing the 9th Session of the Line Minister’s Public Entities Corporate Governance Oversight Meeting, Mhona said boards must go beyond routine reporting.
“You are not mere implementing agencies; but strategic partners for national growth, regional integration, and the efficient delivery of public goods and services to the people,” he said.
He noted progress on the Harare–Beitbridge Highway upgrade and the opening of Mucheke and Manyame bridges. Work on the Victoria Falls Road and Bulawayo to Victoria Falls rehabilitation is advancing. Maintenance units across all 10 provinces are being reopened with ZINARA funding.
Mhona said Public Private Partnerships are driving projects including Harare–Nyamapanda, Kwekwe–Nkayi, Mutare Bypass, and Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls. Toll gates at Norton, Dema, and Skyline are being upgraded to plazas to curb revenue leakages.
“Transport infrastructure, in particular, remains the lifeblood of our economy. It is the thread that weaves together our communities, enabling access to markets, services, and opportunities,” he said.
On rail, he acknowledged NRZ’s capacity constraints but praised efforts with Mutapa Investment Fund to revive Harare–Mutare and Bulawayo–Victoria Falls passenger services. He backed the Lion’s Den–Kafue link with Zambia to expand the North–South Corridor.
In aviation, Mhona reported over 3 million passengers at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in 2026. Emirates and Qatar Airways have resumed operations. Victoria Falls International Airport now generates 60% of its energy from solar.
Citing President Mnangagwa’s 28 May 2026 directive, Mhona said road safety needs urgent action. “The last spate of accidents calls for drastic measures and lasting solutions targeting irresponsible behaviour and unroadworthy vehicles on our roads,” he said. He backed an integrated road traffic authority and the finalisation of a Road Accident Fund Administration Bill.
He challenged boards to produce policy papers on aviation, railways, roads, and inland waters to inform legislation. He also urged focus on climate-resilient infrastructure, public-private partnerships, railway privatisation, decarbonisation, and digitalisation.
“The sector we build today is the prosperity we secure for tomorrow,” Mhona said. “Let us commit to ethical stewardship, relentless professionalism, and unmatched accountability. The nation is counting on us.”
Those in attendance included the Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon. J. Ncube, represented by Mr Gwari, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Hon. J.K. Sacco, Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Chair Hon. T. Karikoga and committee members including Hon. Muchemwa, Permanent Secretary Eng. P.J. Makumbe, Secretary for Bulawayo Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and Secretary for the Corporate Governance Unit Mr A. Choruma.
Board chairpersons present were Dr M.J.M. Sibanda of NRZ, Dr M.G. Manyaya of ZINARA, Dr S. Gwarinda of Air Zimbabwe, Cde Bishop K.K.F. Sibanda of TSCZ, Retired Deputy Commissioner General N.M. Ncube of CAAZ, Dr A. Mubango of CMED, Adv. T. Muhonde of ACZ, and Adv. G. Nyengedza of NHS. Board members and chief executives of public entities also attended, along with stakeholders and guests from Parliament, OPC, Treasury, ZACC, CGU, Auditor General, and Attorney General. Chief directors, directors, senior government officials, senior management, and members of the press were also present.