The Sunday News
Debra Matabvu
A MASSIVE $24 billion has been set aside by Government towards implementation of nine national infrastructure projects this year, in a move meant to stimulate development in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision for 2020.
According to the 2020 Infrastructure Investment Programme, being spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, the energy sector gets a huge chunk of the funding, with nearly $9 billion going towards power generation and related projects.
The transport sector will get $4,4 billion, housing ($2,6 billion) water and sanitation ($2,5 billion), health ($2 billion), education ($1,8 billion), ICTs ($1,2 billion), agriculture ($900 million), while other emerging ventures are set to get $95 million.
The projects identified include those contained in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme and discussed during the Parliament pre-budget seminar held in Victoria Falls towards at the end of last year. According to the plan, “The 2020 overall capital development outlay amounts to $24,7 billion, with funding being mobilised through the following — fiscal resources (basically taxes) $12,1 billion; loan funding $8,8 billion; development partners support (foreign aid) $2 billion; statutory funds $723 million and public entities’ own resources $1,1 billion.
“The 2020 priority list identifies the most important infrastructure investments for the country, drawing from projects identified under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) as well as those that address emerging issues.
“Through engagements and submissions from stakeholders, projects were identified, selected and prioritised for inclusion in the 2020 infrastructure investment programme taking into account on-going projects, with existing contractual obligations, new or ‘shovel-ready’ projects with completed designs and other planning processes ready for implementation.”
The work plan shows that the projects must be completed this year. Further, the ventures have been identified as economic enablers, with potential to unlock significant private sector investments. Under the transport sector, the road development programme which commenced in 2018, will be prioritised with major focus on the Harare-Beitbridge-Chirundu road, recapitalisation of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), ongoing upgrading works at the R.G Mugabe and J M Nkomo International Airports, as well as the urban mass transport system.
The water and sanitation sector is also receiving a major boost, with Government set to prioritise water provision in urban areas by availing $311 million to local authorities. Government will channel $2 billion for housing development to boost the ongoing programme that seeks to address the country’s housing backlog estimated to be around 3 million.
“Among major projects set to be undertaken by Government this year there are preliminary works of the new city in Mt Hampden, Mbare and Makokoba flats regeneration as well as Harare South regularisation,” reads part of the plan.
“Under the health sector, Government is targeting to upgrade 20 district and seven provincial hospitals and expand delivery of specialist tertiary care to Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo provincial hospitals.”
The plan states that the country will take delivery of 100 fully equipped ambulances and utility vehicles that were procured last year. In terms of agriculture, the irrigation rehabilitation programme will move a gear up with Government reviewing the national farm irrigation revolving fund as well as promoting use of renewable energy in irrigation development to ensure efficient running of the schemes.
Economic analyst, Dr Gift Magano said the projects will spur economic recovery.
“Infrastructure are key enablers for economic growth and by focusing on infrastructure, Government is stimulating economic growth. The road project, for example, is commendable as it has the potential to bring in investment as well as foreign currency given the country’s geographical location. The irrigation project is also another commendable project as it seeks to mitigate the effects of climate change. Given that Zimbabwe is an agro-based economy, the irrigation project can boost the economy.”
