15 From the above, it is quite clear that the key function of ZINARA is to administer the Road Fund established in terms of the Roads Act[Chapter 13:18].
16 The Road Fund is funded primarily by road use charges that largely consist of vehicle license fees, road tolls and other road charges. This is provided for in Section 14 of the Roads Act [Chapter 13:18]. In short, the Road Fund is financed by the public and from public funds.
Methodology.
17 As part of its routine work, the Committee received and analyzed the 2017 and 2018 Auditor General’s Report for State Enterprises and Parastatals. In the process of the Committee’s work on ZINARA, the Committee was then alerted of the existence of a March 2017 Special Forensic Audit Report that was carried out by Grant Thornton on behalf of the Auditor General at the special instance and request of the then Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
18 The Committee assessed this Forensic Audit Report and subjected it to thorough scrutiny and inquiry.
19 The Committee received oral evidence from key stakeholders that included the following:
- The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development and his Permanent Secretary;
- The Board of Directors for ZINARA;
- The Acting Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management of ZINARA;
- Representatives of Univern Enterprises (Private) Limited;
- The Director of Madz Construction, Mr. C. H. Madzingira;
- The Director of Forit Construction, Mr. I. Madziyire; and
- Representatives of Haingate Investments.
20 The summary of evidence received is contained in this report in the Annexures.
21 Having received oral evidence, the Committee thoroughly analysed the same and made findings and recommendations guided by the following pieces of legislation;
- The Constitution of Zimbabwe;
- The Roads Act [Chapter 13:18];
- The Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31];
- The Joint Ventures Act [Chapter 22:22];
- The Competition Act [Chapter 14:28];
- The Toll Roads Act [Chapter 13:13]; and
- The Procurement Act [Chapter 22:14] and Regulations.
Continued next page
(280 VIEWS)
