American firm to hold PPP workshop

Livingstone Marufu
The American International Road Federation and its Zimbabwean partner Podilla Ventures will this month host a workshop on public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Victoria Falls. The IRF will engage the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration, other Government departments, regional infrastructure boards, city councils and municipalities. IRF fellowship programme co-ordinator Dr Les Mills told The Sunday Mail Business that countries were increasingly relying on PPPs for infrastructure development to relieve pressure on the fiscus.

“Roads and surface transport are not excluded from this paradigm in infrastructure financing. This IRF PPP workshop in Victoria Falls will demystify some of the theories associated with PPPs by examining the whole concept and identifying the roles of different stakeholders to ensure the success of PPP initiatives in general,” said Dr Mills.

The workshop will explore how to get the best possible return on investment from successful PPP strategies; and the legal and risk parameters underlining such partnerships.

The IRF, established in Washington DC in 1948, is an NGO that promotes development and maintenance of sustainable roads and road networks globally.

Podilla Ventures MD Mr Steve Nyazorwe said the workshop would also focus on the principles, concepts, techniques and benefits of efficient PPPs.

“The various topics of discussion will cover issues such as best practice and key success factors relating to building capacity within the public and private sectors, as well as the necessary policy and legal frameworks, optimal risk sharing practices and available tools to assess the financial viability of projects.

“. . . we have invited, subject to confirmation, potential investors and huge project contractors to come and identify common ground with locals. Arab Contractors from Egypt, Lagan Bitumen from Ireland, Winter-grun from Germany, Preqin, Bangalore Angel Investors, Amman construction equipment, and several others from across the globe …

“We have also invited the Sadc department on infrastructure development to come and give a brief insight on Sadc’s position on PPPs and build-operate-transfer arrangements. Members of ASANRA (the Association of Southern Africa National Road Authorities) have also been advised of the event,” said Mr Nyazorwe.

Organisers will arrange meetings between local companies and potential investors. Government has established an overarching framework for PPPs through a May 2016 gazette that is expected to promote major investments.

It establishes governing rules for public private procurement processes, including governing rules for PPPs in supporting major investments across all sectors.