Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT’S housing and infrastructure programmes are providing a platform for local construction companies to expand, with contractors calling for stronger partnerships to translate national development targets into jobs, skills and durable settlements.
Zimbabwe has reportedly surpassed its National Development Strategy 1 target of 220 000 housing units and is targeting one million units by 2030 under NDS2.
The expanded programme presents opportunities for domestic contractors and suppliers, while placing greater responsibility on the industry to strengthen its capacity and deliver quality infrastructure at competitive costs.
Digmate Engineering director Mrs Roseline Mawaro said the housing programme could spread economic benefits beyond construction sites.
“Government’s housing programme creates opportunities across the construction value chain. When local contractors participate, the benefits extend to artisans, building-material suppliers and young people gaining practical skills,” she said.
“Housing construction creates demand for products and services ranging from cement, steel and roofing materials to electrical installations, plumbing and transport.”
However, Mrs Mawaro said achieving the national target required coordination between the different stages of development.
“Reaching the housing target requires closer coordination between land servicing, infrastructure provision and construction,” she said.
As contractors, we must support that effort by delivering quality work, controlling costs and honouring project timelines.”
Her remarks highlight the importance of developing complete settlements. Housing delivery requires access roads, water, sanitation and electricity, alongside schools, health facilities and other amenities serving growing communities.
Laid-Back Engineering managing director Mr Tapfuma Gurajena said sustained infrastructure investment could help Zimbabwean companies develop the capacity needed for larger projects.
“Government’s continued investment in infrastructure provides a foundation for local companies to expand their capacity. A predictable pipeline of projects helps contractors plan equipment purchases, train workers and build stronger businesses,” he said.
The emphasis on planning is significant for an industry in which equipment, skilled personnel and working capital must be available before construction can progress.
A sustained programme of work provides an incentive for companies to invest in their operations, while experience gained on successive projects can strengthen their ability to compete.
Mr Gurajena said cooperation among local firms would help overcome limitations that individual businesses face.
“The next step is to deepen collaboration among Zimbabwean contractors. Pooling equipment, technical expertise and financial resources can help us undertake larger projects while retaining more skills and economic value within the country,” he said.
Joint ventures and consortia provide avenues for companies with complementary strengths to work together, combining specialist knowledge and resources to meet project requirements.
Such arrangements could also create opportunities for smaller enterprises to participate in larger developments and gain experience.
The Government’s housing agenda combines increased delivery with improved construction standards, efficient land servicing and stronger private-sector participation.
The policy direction seeks to connect infrastructure development with domestic enterprise growth, ensuring that construction activity supports employment and local production.
For households, the practical measure of success will be access to affordable, durable homes in properly serviced communities.
For contractors, the opportunity comes with an obligation to demonstrate that increased local participation delivers reliable workmanship, responsible project management and value for money.
