Zimbabwe Government Extends Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Until 2026

By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo

In a move aimed at further addressing the country’s road infrastructure challenges, the Zimbabwean Government has extended the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) until December 31, 2026. This development comes after the successful implementation of ERRP 2, which was launched in response to President Mnangagwa’s declaration of a state of disaster in 2021.

The initial declaration was made due to the excessive damage caused to Zimbabwe’s road network by extreme weather conditions, which posed a significant threat to the safety and convenience of citizens and visitors. The ERRP 2 programme enabled the mobilization of funds for extensive road rehabilitation projects across the country, resulting in notable improvements to the road networks.

The extension of the ERRP, made possible through Statutory Instrument 151 of 2024, allows for the continuation of emergency road rehabilitation works. This move demonstrates the Government’s commitment to prioritizing road infrastructure development and ensuring the continued maintenance and improvement of the country’s roads.

Key aspects of the extended ERRP include:

– Continued funding for emergency road rehabilitation projects
– Focus on maintaining and improving the country’s road networks
– Addressing challenges posed by extreme weather conditions
– Ensuring the safety and convenience of citizens and visitors

The statutory instrument extending the ERRP reads, in part: “Whereas His Excellency the President declared a State of Disaster in connection with the excessive damage to the road infrastructure network… and Whereas it has become necessary to extend the declaration of the said State of Disaster for a further period to 31st December, 2026… Now, therefore, His Excellency the President… extends the operation of Statutory Instrument 47 of 2021 to the 31st December, 2026.”

This extension is expected to bring relief to motorists and commuters who have been facing challenges due to the poor state of roads. The Government’s commitment to road infrastructure development is a positive step towards improving the country’s transportation network and promoting economic growth.