Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
The founder and director of J R Goddard Contracting (Private) Limited Mr James Ross Goddard is today being awarded with a Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Water Engineering.
The construction tycoon established the firm in 1982 In Zimbabwe.
The Company specialises in earthworks, civil construction and infrastructure development.
The Company employs in excess of two thousand permanent staff.
Mr Goddard said he is dumbfounded to be receiving such an honour.
“I am truly amazed by this amazing recognition. I am grateful to the people of Zimbabwe for honouring me with this. I am at a loss of words but all I can say is this is truly amazing,” he said.
He said J R Goddard Contracting has an impressive record of completing more than 240 contracts in the last forty four years, reflecting his depth of experience and leadership in this sector.
“The Company excels in large-scale earthworks, civil construction, and infrastructure development, including the Construction of dams, roads, and other major projects. I personally supervised the construction of over 170 dams throughout Zimbabwe, among them numerous earth embankments, masonry and concrete arch dams for the agricultural sector,” said Mr Goddard.
Notable examples include Mpande Dam and Mtilashokwe Dam in Beit Bridge, Bembezaan Dam in Kwe Kwe. Rusitu Dam in Chipinge. Nabu Arch Dam in Insiza. How Mine Dam In Bulawayo, Biri Dam on the Manyame River, Mteri Dam at Hippo Valley, and Lucilia Poort Arch Dam at Unki Mine in Shurugwi.
Mr Goddard has also played a key role in overseeing the extension of Mater Dei Hospital and the development of Hopeville, an upmarket suburb in Northern Bulawayo.
JR Goddard Contracting is extensively involved in Zimbabwe’s mining industry and is currently engaged in the following Projects: Eureka Gold Mine for Dallaglio where they Mine up to 1,400,000 tonnes of waste and ore per month to produce approximately 170 kg of gold every month. Ngezi Zimplats South Pit Extension Project where they mine up to 700,000 tonnes of waste and ore per month.
