Business Correspondent
The Zimbabwean Cabinet has approved a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT); joint venture between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and a private company to rehabilitate the Harare-Nyamapanda Road and the Nyamapanda Border Post.
This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and improve trade efficiency between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere announced that the project will be managed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which will oversee the design, construction, and maintenance of the road and border post. The SPV will also facilitate the flow of funds among stakeholders involved in the project.
The joint venture will focus on upgrading, constructing, and tolling the Harare-Nyamapanda Road and the Nyamapanda Border Post. The project is expected to be fully funded by the private investor, with the SPV responsible for collecting toll charges from road users to service the project’s debt and provide returns for equity investors.
Dr. Muswere emphasized that this infrastructure development will significantly boost trade efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance the movement of goods between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The project is anticipated to create job opportunities, reduce unemployment rates, and improve revenue collection for the government, which can be reinvested into local infrastructure and services.
Furthermore, the upgrade is expected to improve the quality of life for local residents by decreasing the time and costs associated with cross-border travel and trade. The initiative will also foster regional integration and cooperation, contributing to shared economic goals and enhancing safety and security at the border.
The approval of the BOT joint venture represents a significant step towards improving Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and trade capabilities. By enhancing the Harare-Nyamapanda Road and the Nyamapanda Border Post, the government aims to stimulate economic growth, promote regional collaboration, and ultimately benefit local communities through increased trade and investment opportunities.
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