VP calls for collaboration, technology adoption to address infrastructure deficit
MARTIN MAWAYA
VICTORIA FALLS– The Zimbabwe Building Contractor Association (ZBCA) hosted its inaugural regional summit, underpinning the industry’s critical role in economic growth.
The summit, held under the theme “Leveraging Investment in Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Economic Growth,” aligns with the SADC Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap as well as Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
It was officially opened by Vice President Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga in Victoria Falls on Thursday.
Chiwenga commended the ZBCA for organizing the summit, stating that “unification is a valuable panacea for unlocking collective potential and reinforces the empowerment of the SADC community.”
He underscored the vital role of the construction industry in achieving the SADC’s industrialization and economic development goals.
The Vice President highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovative solutions, and technological advancements in addressing the region’s infrastructure deficit and driving sustainable growth.
He emphasized the need for digital literacy, the adoption of smart energy, and the development of low-cost, environmentally sustainable energy sources.
The former army general also called for greater cooperation in research and development, as well as prioritizing accessibility and the rights of persons with disabilities in building design.
Chiwenga praised the ZBCA and the government for significant progress made in construction and infrastructure development, citing projects such as the Harare-Beitbridge highway upgrade, the Beitbridge Border Post revamp, and the Mbudzi Interchange project.
In his keynote address, ZBCA president Dr. Tinashe Manzungu emphasized the construction industry’s vital role in Zimbabwe’s journey toward becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
He highlighted the ZBCA’s dedication to empowering local contractors and promoting equity and fairness within the sector, aligning its efforts with the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The construction industry not only generates 25-30% of national employment but is also a key enabler in achieving NDS1 targets,” Dr. Manzungu stated, underscoring the industry’s significance in driving economic growth.
The substantial progress in the construction sector since 2018, saw over 7,000 projects implemented and more than 5,000 officially commissioned, including significant advancements in road infrastructure with over 33,000 kilometers of completed road networks.
Dr. Manzungu also mentioned the government’s investment of $10 billion in the development of 10 major dams as part of a long-term plan to support the agricultural sector and harness water for industrial and domestic use.
However, he acknowledged ongoing liquidity challenges that have hindered the full realization of these plans.
To address these challenges, the ZBCA has initiated collaboration with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) to facilitate investor linkages with local contractors for public and private infrastructure projects.
Manzungu, the construction mogul expressed optimism that this partnership will yield at least $100 million worth of projects for ZBCA members in the second quarter of 2025.
The ZBCA also emphasized the importance of regional integration and cooperation, calling for the harmonization of policies and regulations to attract more investment and promote sustainable economic growth.
“Together, we can create a seamless environment for the execution of infrastructure projects, facilitating an easier pathway for local contractors to engage in both government and private initiatives,” Dr. Manzungu said.
The construction industry reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of practice and contributing to national development through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
