adminsectors that excelled in infrastructure development over the past year.
The twoday event, which brings together diplomats, development banks, advisory firms, Government officials and corporates, will be held in the resort town of Victoria Falls.
According to the organisers of the awards, Noteworthy Thinking Capital, the awards will be presented in 20 categories. Ms Sandra Mehlomakulu said the companies would be assessed for their performance during the period from January to December 2010.
Among some of the notable awards to be presented are Best Building of Zimbabwe, Best Infrastructure Asset Portfolio, Most Converging ICT Network, Most Progressive Zimbabwean Legislation/Policy Affecting Infrastructure, Best Infrastructure Deal, Best Zimbabwean Revenue Collector for Infrastructure, Best Construction Company of the Year, and Best Infrastructure Bank.
Ms Mehlomakulu said the public was also invited to vote for the winners through email at [email protected].
She said that infrastructure development was central to the country’s economic recovery efforts as it anchored all activities.
Among some of the recommendations made at the forum last year was a call for the respect for and enforcement of intellectual property rights. There was also a call to increase funding for research and development through such avenues as tax breaks.
The forum also recommended human capital development through a constructive engagement of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora. The use of ICT in human capital development was also highlighted.
In terms of parastatals and State enterprises, the Infrastructure Development Forum said that there was need to justify the existence of such entities. There was need for the Government to revisit its involvement in this business and consider whether they should be privatised or not.
Online Reporter