Story by Tichaona Kurewa
As part of efforts to expedite infrastructure development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the construction sector has been rallied to form a regional board to synchronise activities.
The move amplifies the call to action by the 44th SADC Heads of States and Government Summit for contractors in the region to collaborate and improve regional infrastructure.
The inaugural Zimbabwe Building Association (ZBCA) Regional Construction Summit which officially opened in Victoria Falls this Thursday, saw attention being drawn to the power of collaboration.
“Our gathering here today, marks a significant step towards unifying the construction industry within the country and the region. Singleness of purpose will enable us to speak with one voice, share ideas, share resources and leverage our collective expertise for sustainable growth and development of the industry. Indeed, an integrated construction industry will enjoin us to address the infrastructure deficit we inherited from our former colonisers, and it remains one of the major hindrances to the region’s economic growth.
“Collaboration and working together is key to the development of a world-class infrastructure that supports industrial development, trade and economic integration. Moreover, a strong construction industry will stimulate great innovations and local economies as well as improve the living standards for millions of people across the entire SADC Region,” the Vice President, General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
Contractors from the region echoed the same sentiments.
South African Musa Shangase noted, “We need to collaborate on infrastructure development and have one regional association or federation to collaborate and share skills and to share technology and other things in the industry.”
“The issue to do with regional integration or regional collaboration is a statement that attests to the growth path in terms of infrastructure movement to us as contractors. You agree with me that when you talk of standards, you match your standards with your peers in the region or neighbouring countries and other country that you may think of. When you collaborate with another country that is in Southern Africa, you are actually saying how you are building your roads and your bridges,” said Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association President, Dr Tinashe Manzungu.
The summit seeks to expedite infrastructure development in the region by promoting collaboration among contractors.
The construction industry stands as one of the key underpinning enablers for the full realisation of the SADC Industrialisation Agenda which is expected to transform the region into a vibrant and sustainable industrial hub.
