Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
THE Second Republic has opened up opportunities for local contractors to participate in major infrastructure development projects, empowering indigenous businesses while accelerating the rehabilitation and modernisation of public facilities, a contractor has said.
Local contractors have increasingly become key players in the rehabilitation of major roads, including the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, as well as the refurbishment of health institutions such as Parirenyatwa Hospital and Mpilo Central Hospital, alongside other critical infrastructure projects across the country.
One of the beneficiaries of this drive is B and S Mcheken Contractors, whose operations manager, Mr Simbarashe Chihota, said Government’s deliberate focus on infrastructure development had created opportunities for local companies to participate in national development through road rehabilitation, health facility upgrades and security sector infrastructure projects.
He was speaking on Wednesday following the completion of the rehabilitation of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Fairbridge Police Camp sewer treatment works in Bulawayo.
The project, funded by the Ministry of Finance, is set to be handed over to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage after the completion of works by B and S Mcheken Contractors.
Mr Chihota said the Second Republic, which came into office in 2017, had prioritised infrastructure rehabilitation to address years of deterioration in public institutions and improve service delivery.
“When the Second Republic came into office in 2017, one of its major priorities was infrastructure rehabilitation. You would agree with me that there were many things that had gone wrong over the previous 40 years, particularly regarding the living conditions and infrastructure of the security sector and other public institutions,” he said.
Mr Chihota said Government had demonstrated its commitment to improving public infrastructure through ongoing renovations and modernisation programmes targeting hospitals, police stations and other critical facilities.
“You have seen the refurbishment of Parirenyatwa Hospital and the ongoing works at Mpilo Hospital.
“We are also part of that journey, gradually getting involved in the refurbishment and modernisation of ZRP facilities and infrastructure surrounding police stations for the benefit of police officers, residents and future generations,” he said.
The Fairbridge Police Camp sewer treatment works rehabilitation forms part of Government’s broader efforts to modernise security sector infrastructure, improve sanitation and create healthier living and working conditions for police officers.
The project also addresses long-standing sanitation challenges at the facility, reinforcing the importance of maintaining public health standards in Government institutions.
Mr Chihota said the increased participation of local contractors in public infrastructure projects was evidence of a more inclusive procurement environment, dismissing perceptions that Government tenders were reserved for a few established companies.
“There has been a narrative for a long time that tenders are won before they are even floated. However, the space has been opened for everyone to participate and showcase their capabilities.
Whether you are good at welding or any other trade, you can participate in the tendering process,” he said.
He said the current procurement environment had created opportunities for both established and emerging contractors to contribute to the economy.
“There is no longer a situation where there is a monopoly between big and small companies. We are all equal and have an opportunity to benefit from the development of our country,” he said.
Mr Chihota urged local businesses to participate in Government projects, saying their involvement in infrastructure development also contributed to national economic growth through employment creation, tax payments and the expansion of business activity.
“For you to remain in business and contribute meaningfully to the economy, you must work with Government, pay taxes and participate in tenders.
“When you get a project, you also have an obligation to pay taxes and contribute to the functioning of the whole system,” he said.
He said the introduction of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system had further enhanced transparency and provided contractors with an opportunity to compete for public projects.
The Fairbridge Police Camp project comes amid broader efforts to rehabilitate police infrastructure, following refurbishment works at Harare Central Police Station and its surrounding complex.
Government’s infrastructure development programme remains central to its broader economic transformation agenda, with investments in roads, health facilities and public institutions expected to support service delivery and national development.
