Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
THE Government has called on Zimbabwe’s housing and construction fraternity to prioritise “decent housing for all”, warning that human settlements cannot thrive without proper services and basic amenities.
The call was made by National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Professor Paul Mavima during the Zimbabwe Building Contractors’ Association (ZBCA) Construction Industry Recognition Awards held in Harare on Saturday night.
Minister Mavima said the awards ceremony was more than a celebration of industry excellence; it was a reaffirmation of the collective resolve to build a modern, dignified and globally competitive Zimbabwe.
The ceremony drew the country’s leading contractors, engineers, architects, financiers, insurers and other stakeholders, and Minister Mavima reminded them that housing delivery remains at the core of the Government’s strategic direction in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
“Our strategic plan calls upon us to expand access to affordable and decent housing, strengthen partnerships between Government, the private sector and civil society,” said Minister Mavima.
“Every home delivered is a symbol of empowerment, every settlement renewed is a step towards social cohesion, and every project completed is a contribution to our national pride.
“We seek to promote innovative financing mechanisms and sustainable building technologies, ensuring that housing delivery contributes to broader national goals of economic empowerment and social cohesion.
“These priorities are commitments that we are already implementing through urban renewal programmes, affordable housing schemes and skills development initiatives. I call upon the private sector to come up with affordable mortgage facilities that enable the general populace to invest in their own housing units.”
He reiterated that the Government is targeting the delivery of one million houses by 2030, describing the target as a foundation for dignity, security and stronger communities.
Minister Mavima appealed for continued collaboration across the construction value chain, saying the expertise and innovation of contractors and industry partners are critical to meeting the sector’s obligations under NDS2.
“To operationalise our deliverables and build the momentum needed to reach our sector’s target, the ministry will engage stakeholders through formal platforms, including high-level stakeholder dinners,” he said.
“Proper amenities at human settlements are non-negotiable. For any new housing development, there should be compliance with the basic required services, which include sewerage, water and roads.
“The aspect of regularisation feeds into the National Presidential Title Deeds Scheme.”
He congratulated the award winners and said their recognition carries a responsibility to raise standards and deliver with greater accountability.
“To our award winners, your recognition tonight is a call to greater responsibility,” he said.
“To our emerging contractors, women leaders and innovators, your recognition is our assurance for the realisation of the desired future.
“The next generation will learn from you, our seasoned professionals, as your legacy serves as the foundation,” said Minister Mavima.
Players in the construction industry said the economy is undergoing a silent construction boom on the back of increased business activity driven by the Second Republic’s emphasis on growing and retooling Zimbabwe’s industrial base.
In separate interviews, several participants at the recognition awards attested to increased business activity and a favourable business environment, which they say is helping to reduce unemployment.
Laid-Back Engineering managing director Mr Tapfuma Gurajena, one of the contractors recognised, said local firms have made strides following the Government’s policy of awarding mega-projects to local contractors.
“We are now doing very well because Government has given local contractors a real opportunity on mega-projects,” said Mr Gurajena.
“This is working, our teams are gaining experience, and the business is expanding.”
Similarly, Mr Arthar Mafuya, director of Manah Buildings Construction, said larger contract awards have boosted not only his company’s output but also confidence across the sector.
“We want to thank the Government for awarding larger contracts to local firms,” said Mr Mafuya.
“It has translated into more work, more jobs and better capacity for local companies to compete.”
ZBCA president Dr Tinashe Manzungu commended President Mnangagwa’s approach of ensuring that bigger construction projects are executed with strong local participation, saying the benefits go beyond infrastructure.
“Employing local companies has huge benefits for the economy in that, while you improve infrastructure, you are also promoting local participation in economic activities,” said Dr Manzungu.
“One of the biggest advantages of hiring locally is that it creates jobs and provides training opportunities that would not otherwise be available.”
