2013年-世界发展银行全球_Zimbabwe_Infrastructure_Policy_Review_40页_720kb

Zimbabwe Infrastructure Policy Review Summary

Core Content

This document provides an overview of the state of infrastructure in Zimbabwe and outlines the government's strategy for its rehabilitation and expansion, focusing on the electric power, water, transport, and ICT sectors. It highlights the challenges faced by these sectors and proposes reforms, including the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), to improve their performance and attract private investment.

Main Points

1. Infrastructure and Economic Development

• Infrastructure is a critical enabler of economic growth and is closely linked to GDP growth.
• Poor infrastructure can hinder development, while good infrastructure supports productivity and attracts investment.
• The review emphasizes the need for predictable policies and sustainable tariff structures to ensure long-term viability of infrastructure projects.

2. Current State of Infrastructure

• Electric Power Sector:
  • Only 1,300 MW of power is reliably available, far below the peak demand of 2,000 MW.
  • Load-shedding is a regular occurrence, affecting production and deterring investment.
  • The Kariba hydropower station and the transmission and distribution systems are vital and should not be divested.
• Water Sector:
  • Access to water and sanitation has deteriorated significantly.
  • Water supply and sanitation systems are in need of rehabilitation and expansion.
  • Investment in urban areas is low, while rural areas receive even less.
• Transport Sector:
  • 40% of state roads require rehabilitation, and only one-third of railway rolling stock is operational.
  • The transport sector is essential for Zimbabwe's regional integration but faces major challenges.
• ICT Sector:
  • Performs relatively well, with high tariffs contributing to operational surpluses.
  • However, high tariffs increase the cost of doing business in the country.

Key Information

3. Government Strategy: Zim ASSET

• Launched by the government following the July 31, 2013 elections.
• Aims to rehabilitate and expand infrastructure through 2018.
• Includes a long list of infrastructure projects.
• Emphasizes the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for financing and execution of projects.
• Prioritizes sectors such as ICT, Water, Transport, and Energy as key areas for reform.

4. Recommendations for PPPs

• Electric Power Sector:
  • Large IPP investments are uncertain due to high risks.
  • Recommended alternatives: outsourcing operations, lease contracts, and sale of thermal plants.
• Water Sector:
  • All water investments should be reviewed to align with the National Water Policy.
  • Shift investment from water resource development to urban and rural water supply and sanitation.
  • Recommend separating urban water supply and sewerage services from other municipal services, granting them autonomy.
  • Propose ring-fencing revenue and creating critical mass through municipal agreements.
• Transport Sector:
  • Ministry of Transport should focus on policy, planning, and monitoring.
  • ZINARA should be responsible for maintenance, rehabilitation, and new construction.
• ICT Sector:
  • Recommend a study to understand the high cost structure and identify ways to increase competition.
  • Propose reforms to strengthen the ICT regulator and reduce tariffs.

Financial and Institutional Challenges

• Currency Regime: Zimbabwe uses a multi-currency system since 2009, with the USD as the common currency.
• Tariff Policies: High tariffs in the water and ICT sectors increase business costs.
• Indigenization Law: Mandates at least 51% national ownership, which may deter foreign investment.
• Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP): Limited in its ability to finance infrastructure due to the scale of required investment.
• AMDTF (Analytical Multi-Donor Trust Fund): Scheduled to close on June 30, 2014, necessitating the search for alternative funding sources.

Investment Gaps and Priorities

• Water Sector:
  • Annual per capita investment costs are low: USD 2.8 for urban, USD 0.2 for rural.
  • No increased capacity is needed in the water resources sub-sector over the next 20 years.
• Electric Power Sector:
  • Annual maintenance costs are estimated at 3% of replacement cost.
  • Capitalized cost of operations and maintenance is 30% of replacement cost.
• Transport Sector:
  • High costs for maintenance and rehabilitation.
  • Road and rail networks are in poor condition.
• ICT Sector:
  • High tariffs and limited competition.
  • Study is recommended to understand cost structure and promote competition.

Conclusion

The review underscores the importance of infrastructure in economic growth and highlights the urgent need for reform in the electricity, water, transport, and ICT sectors. It recommends a shift towards PPPs, improved governance, and a focus on predictable policies and tariff structures to attract private investment and ensure sustainable operations. The government's Zim ASSET program represents a significant step towards addressing these challenges, but its success will depend on effective implementation and the availability of adequate funding.