Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE is positioning local construction companies to grow into major contractors capable of handling large infrastructure projects at home and competing regionally, as deliberate Government policies increasingly open space for domestic firms to participate in major national projects.
National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Professor Paul Mavima said local contractors should now build on the opportunities by forming joint ventures, consortia and strategic partnerships that combine financial resources, technical expertise, equipment and experience.
He was addressing the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) Annual General Meeting and Congress in Bulawayo.
“I therefore encourage local contractors to explore joint ventures, consortia and strategic partnerships that combine financial capacity, technical expertise, equipment and experience,” Professor Mavima said.
“There is strength in collaboration. Our ambition must be to develop Zimbabwean construction companies capable of undertaking major projects at home and competing across the region.”
Local contractors attending the congress said the ambition was increasingly achievable, arguing that Government’s deliberate policy of awarding Zimbabwean companies significant infrastructure work had helped build domestic capacity and confidence.
Laid-Back Engineering managing director Mr Tapfuma Gurajena said opportunities created through major Government projects, including road construction and other infrastructure programmes, had demonstrated that local companies could deliver.
He said local contractors had gained valuable experience, strengthened their technical capabilities and built track records through participation in major projects.
“The Government has deliberately created opportunities for local contractors by entrusting us with major projects, particularly roads and other national infrastructure,” said Mr Gurajena.
“We have demonstrated that Zimbabwean companies can deliver. What is important now is to build on that experience, strengthen our companies and form partnerships that allow us to take on even bigger projects locally and eventually compete beyond our borders.”
Digmate Engineering director Mrs Roseline Mawaro concurred, saying Government’s decision to deliberately grow local participation in construction had provided indigenous companies with an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities.
“The opportunities that Government has given local contractors have shown that we have the capacity to undertake major projects,” she said.
“We have seen local companies participating in roads and other big infrastructure projects and delivering successfully.
“The challenge now is to consolidate those gains, improve our capacity and collaborate so that Zimbabwean contractors can compete for bigger projects.”
Professor Mavima said the Government would continue playing its part by improving the business environment, facilitating investment and developing appropriate partnership frameworks, while contractors were expected to innovate and deliver.
The push comes as Zimbabwe prepares for increased construction activity under the National Development Strategy 2, with Government targeting delivery of at least one million housing units by 2030.
Professor Mavima said such an ambitious programme could not be undertaken by Government alone and required participation by the private sector, local authorities, financial institutions, developers, manufacturers and professionals.
He, however, warned that the growth of the sector should not come at the expense of standards.
“We cannot build the Zimbabwe of 2030 through shortcuts,” he said.
“A defective building can threaten human life. A poorly constructed road becomes an economic cost.”
Professor Mavima said the industry should embrace modern construction technologies, modular construction, digital design and green technologies to reduce costs, improve quality and accelerate infrastructure delivery.
He said the ultimate objective was to establish a construction industry that creates employment, develops skills, supports local manufacturing, attracts investment and delivers durable infrastructure.
