Story by Memory Chamisa
INFRASTRUCTURE experts
cite enhanced research, technologies, and innovative designs for housing programmes as critical to transforming the country’s development agenda.
Guest speaker at the Institute of Architects of Zimbabwe’s annual conference in Harare, the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Honourable Daniel Garwe emphasised the role of architects, engineers in delivering modern, innovative and sustainable projects with urban composition
“Climate change effects, antiquated infrastructure for water and sanitation, and also overcrowding, are among a host of other challenges that require a collective approach to tackle. Design experts should observe their surroundings and global best practices and draw lessons from,” he said.
Land is a finite resource that must be safeguarded for future generations, hence, the adoption of the densification policy.
Architecture Council of Zimbabwe chairperson, Mr Tapuwa Matondo highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement and partnerships to enable well planned, architectural designs.
“It is important that architects and engineers work hand in glove with the government in ensuring that designs for housing developments are in tandem with the current trends.
“Also on the issue of sustainability and conformation to environmental standards, designs that where there 10, 20 years ago are no longer sustainable, bringing forth the issue of coming up with new innovations that are eco-friendly,” he said.
The Second Republic, through the Zimbabwe National Human Settlement Policy, has since embarked on Urban regeneration and renewal for old suburbs such as Sakubva in Mutare, Mbare and Makokoba in Bulawayo among others.
