Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has accused local authorities of misusing funds provided by the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA), saying some councils are diverting the money to pay salaries instead of prioritising road rehabilitation.
ZINARA disburses funds to councils every year, specifically for the refurbishment and maintenance of roads.
However, concerns have emerged over how the money is being spent, with reports suggesting that some councils are using the funds for recurrent expenses rather than road projects.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Mhona said:
“Sometimes when the money is allocated to councils, they use that money for salaries and not for road rehabilitation.”
According to Mhona, centralising ZINARA funds will help strengthen accountability and ensure funds are used for their intended purposes. He said:
“ZINARA is now mobilising all the funds and putting them in one pocket. They then choose the roads that need to be refurbished, and every three months we are going to notify the House and Zimbabweans as to how much money is being allocated to each council.
“The august House has the power to invite councils to come and give their reports on how they utilise the money for road rehabilitation.”
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