Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) is ratcheting up plans to set up a dedicated construction brigade to contribute to the country’s infrastructural development in peacetime.
This initiative, announced by Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, aligns with Commander-in-Chief President Mnangagwa’s vision that “the country is built by its own people,” emphasising the ZDF’s commitment to playing a vital role in the country’s development.
The economy is undergoing a silent construction boom, driven by increased business activity and the Second Republic’s emphasis on deliberate strategies to grow the economy.
The anticipated active participation of the ZDF in infrastructure development could provide a significant boost to this drive. Under the Second Republic, several capital-intensive projects are taking shape, with construction companies eagerly engaging in infrastructure development. Various start-ups and operations are taking advantage of these opportunities.
The ZDF is renowned for its ability to effectively execute construction projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on time, and to the required standards.
The plans highlight ZDF’s focus to strengthen its engineering capabilities and contribution to the construction of bridges, roads and major infrastructural projects across the country.
In other jurisdictions the defence forces are involved in major economic activities for the benefit and growth of the country, the ZDF has also been playing a key role in community assistance initiatives aimed at assisting communities.
“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces are also contributing to the country’s national development agenda, particularly with regard to closing the infrastructural gap,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Programme is growing from strength to strength as it now involves long term projects.
“The ZDF is currently working with a construction regiment. The establishment of a Construction Brigade is work in progress with processes of equipment acquisition and staffing as priority areas.
“The formation of the brigade is expected to contribute to ongoing infrastructural development in the country. National development requires concerted efforts,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Speaking of the ZDF Day tomorrow she said the role of her ministry is outlined in the country’s supreme law, the constitution section 212.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said her ministry’s main mandate is to safeguard the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity while at the same time contributing to international peace and security.
“The Ministry will continue discharging its mandate as given. However, defending the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity remains every citizens’ obligation,” she said.
