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Writes Muchimba Faro, Parliament of Zimbabwe Media Desk
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development is on a three-day tour, starting with the Mbudzi Interchange, to get an appreciation of infrastructural development projects across the country including road rehabilitation. The Committee is accompanied by officials from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA).
Officially opening the tour on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Engineer Jana, informed the committee that despite the dark history of Zinara, the organization has over the years embarked on a transformation journey which has repositioned it as one of the best State-owned enterprises in terms of performance and executing its mandate.
The tour is aimed at giving first insights to Honourable Members of Parliament into the operation of Zinara and understanding the relationship between the Ministry’s Department of Roads and Zinara.
Addressing the delegates, the Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Honourable Knowledge Kaitano, acknowledged the physical road infrastructure development undertaken by the Ministry and Zinara, in fulfilment of the NDS1 as envisioned by His Excellency, President Cde E.D Mnangagwa and the New Dispensation. He, however, called upon the Ministry and Zinara to adhere to their timelines so that the nation can enjoy the social and economic impact these developments have on the communities.
About 25 MPs from both the ruling party ZANU PF and the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), toured the Mbudzi Interchange. They applauded the government for one of the best infrastructures to be in Southern Africa.
The MPs were saddened by the delays in compensating some of the residents to allow the completion of the interchange.
“The issue of compensation (of property owners) needs to be dealt with as of yesterday for us to be able to finish the work here within timelines,” said Hon. Kaitano.
On its way to Masvingo, the committee toured Skyline tollgate, one of the 29 tollgates across the country. The Skyline tollgate is fourth or fifth in terms of revenue collection after the Goromonzi, Norton, Esbank and Kadoma. Because of the massive residential development in Harare, Skyline tollgate is in the process of being relocated to 40km away from Harare where a modern and State-of-the-art ten-lane E-toll Plaza is set to be constructed.
After Masvingo, the committee is headed to Bulawayo for further tours until Sunday.