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and upgrading of the Plumtree-Mutare highway.
From Plumtree, the 800km road covers Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Kadoma, Harare and Rusape up to Mutare.
Transport, Communication and Infrastructure Development Minister Nicholas Goche and Fina-nce Minister Tendai Biti signed the deal in Harare.
The DBSA was represented by its executive vice president Mr Adamassu Tadesse.
This follows the formation of Infralink, a joint venture company between the Zimbabwe Natio-nal Road Authority and Group Five International of South Africa.
Zinara has a 70 percent shareholding in the joint venture while Group Five International has 30 percent.
Government says Group Five International is a renowned company that has constructed major highways and airports in South Africa.
It is Infralink that applied for funding from the DBSA for the upgrading of the Plumtree-Mutare Road that culminated in the signing of the deal yesterday.
Minister Goche said the signing of the deal had shown the confidence some investors like the DBSA had in Zimbabwe’s economy.
“For us in Zimbabwe, this is an important occasion. We have travelled all over the world to look for people who can invest in our country. The fact that now we have this funding by DBSA for the construction of the Harare-Mutare and Harare-Plumtree road has shown that our neighbours have confidence in our country,” he said.
He urged the bank to consider investing in the upgrading of other roads such as the Harare-Beitbridge and Harare-Chirundu highways.
Minister Goche also highlighted the need for investment in the country’s rail network for easy movement of bulk goods, adding the continued use of roads by heavy vehicles contributed to speedy dilapidation.
Minister Biti described the occasion as “a landmark day in our calendar as Government”.
“It is a revolution in our country. I would like to thank the bank for showing confidence at a time we do not have friends,” he said.