By Shingirai Vambe
The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) recently issued a statement regarding its 2024 fund disbursement report, but Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) has deemed the statement insufficient. TIZ is calling for improved reporting mechanisms and greater transparency in the use of funds.
According to TIZ, ZINARA’s statement does not provide adequate information on how funds were utilized by local authorities. TIZ director, Tafadzwa Chikumbu, emphasized that the reporting mechanism should be improved to ensure that councils are held accountable for the funds they receive.
TIZ is questioning the oversight mechanism in place, asking who or where councils report to regarding the use of ZINARA funds. This lack of clarity has raised concerns about the potential misuse of funds and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
“ZINARA should make its disbursement information publicly available as a matter of principle, ensuring good governance practices,” said Chikumbu.
Chikumbu’s concerns are not unfounded. A survey conducted by the Post on Sunday in Rusape revealed that the local council received a staggering ZWG $2,336,030, equivalent to USD $86,000, but council chairperson, Lovemore Chifomboti claimed to have no knowledge of the disbursement.
“The only project undertaken by the council in 2024 was the costly drainage system in Mabvazuva,” said Chifomboti.
Councilor Stella Basikiti expressed similar concerns, lamenting the poor state of roads in her ward and the lack of progress in addressing the issue.
The situation raises questions about the oversight and monitoring of ZINARA’s funds. While ZINARA claims to have a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) team of engineers that certifies the use of funds for their intended purpose, the responses from councilors suggest otherwise. Councilor Chifomboti’s hesitation to respond due to fear of victimization further highlights the need for transparency and accountability.
ZINARA’s disbursement report for 2024 shows that the authority allocated a significant amount of funds for road maintenance and development projects across Zimbabwe. However, the report also reveals that a substantial portion of the budget remains unutilized, with several provinces struggling to spend their allocations.
The lack of transparency and accountability in ZINARA’s fund disbursement is not only a concern for TIZ but also for the general public. As Chikumbu pointed out, it is essential to know where councils or local authorities report to and who exercises oversight to ensure that funds are used for their intended purpose.
In light of these concerns, it is crucial for ZINARA to prioritize transparency and accountability in its fund disbursement. This can be achieved by making disbursement information publicly available, ensuring that councils and local authorities are aware of the funds they receive, and strengthening oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse of funds. Only then can Zimbabweans be assured that their taxes are being used effectively to develop and maintain the country’s road infrastructure.
About The Author
More Stories
Gweru Suburb Gets New Lease on Life, River Valley’s Infrastructure Revamp
Tourists Hurt as Luxury Train Derails in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s Human-Wildlife Conflict Takes a Devastating Toll