Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Hon. Adv. Felix Tapiwa Mhona, yesterday presented his Ministry’s strategic outlook at the national pre-budget seminar in Bulawayo, where he outlined major milestones and key priorities aimed at building a resilient, inclusive, and modern transport system for Zimbabwe.
Mhona said the Ministry’s focus was on adopting a comprehensive approach that tackles challenges across the transport sector while mobilising adequate resources for development.
“A holistic approach is essential if we are to effectively address the challenges facing our sector. Enhanced resource mobilisation remains a key priority to ensure sustainability and progress,” he said.
The Minister noted that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), retained revenues, user fees, and fines would play a critical role in financing both ongoing and future infrastructure projects.
“We are strengthening partnerships and exploring diverse funding models such as PPPs and user fees to drive our programmes forward,” he added.
A major highlight of Minister Mhona’s presentation was the restoration of order in the urban transport system.
He said his Ministry was working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to eliminate illegal operators known as “mushika-shika,” enhance traffic management, and improve public safety.
“We are determined to bring sanity to the urban transport space through coordinated enforcement and improved planning,” he said.
As part of long-term interventions, Minister Mhona revealed that Government was advancing plans for an integrated mass bus transit system designed to provide efficient, affordable, and safe public transport nationwide.
“The integrated bus system will be central to modernising our public transport infrastructure and ensuring reliable service delivery for all citizens,” he said.
He also emphasised the revival of key transport parastatals, noting that the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) was earmarked for recapitalisation to rehabilitate locomotives and restore its operational capacity.
“We are also advocating for the absorption of legacy debts that have continued to cripple entities such as Air Zimbabwe,” the Minister said.
Minister Mhona expressed gratitude for the strong collaboration with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport, adding that collective commitment was vital for progress.
“Together, we can build a resilient and modern transport system that drives national development and enhances the lives of our people,” he said.
