MIDWEEK REPORTER
MASVINGO-The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) has laid a solid foundation for a transformative year of road infrastructure development and maintenance, with significant disbursements achieved in the first half of the year for Masvingo Province.
According to the latest report released by the agency as of 30 June 2025 which is in possession of The Midweek Watch, ZINARA disbursed ZwG15.96 billion to road authorities in Masvingo Province representing 37% of the province’s total 2025 road budget allocation of ZwG42.6 billion.
Rural District Councils (RDCs) received the largest chunk with ZwG10.6 billion out of a combined ZwG28.2 billion annual budget.
All the seven rural district councils, Bikita, Chiredzi, Chivi, Gutu, Masvingo rural, Mwenezi and Zaka recorded a uniform budget utilisation rate of 38% in the first quarter of the year.
Urban councils collectively received ZwG5.3 billion with Masvingo City taking the largest share of ZW3.5 billion and Chiredzi Town receiving ZwG1.8 billion out of the annual budget of ZwG14.4 billion.
However, fuel disbursements remain critically low, with only 14,600 litres distributed across the entire province representing 22% of the allocated fuel budget. Most districts received 2,000 litres while Masvingo City received 4,600 litres making it the highest allocation, with Chiredzi, Zaka and Gutu districts yet to receive their shares.
While the disbursements provide crucial funding for road maintenance and development, the 37% utilisation rate highlights delays in rolling out projects and low fuel allocations may further hinder progress on the ground, especially in rural areas where road conditions are already poor.
With over ZwG$26 billion still to be allocated, the province’s ability to improve its road infrastructure now hinges on the efficiency, transparency and speed of funds deployment and project execution in the second half of the year.
