Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE has initiated consultations for the drafting of the Contractors Construction Bill, aimed at regulating infrastructure projects and enforcing adherence to quality standards in the construction sector.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ consultative forum held this Thursday, participants noted that the proposed legislation will tackle key challenges within the construction value chain.
The Bill is expected to enhance efficiency and accountability, ultimately boosting confidence and uptake of infrastructure projects across the country.
The engagement was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Zimbabwe Builders and Contractors Association and the Zimbabwe Institute of Regional and Urban Planners, who explained the benefits of the proposed law.
“There is a lot that can be accrued in as far as taking a look at the needs of the construction sector is concerned by identifying the current gaps and looking at the way forward as we are gathered right now the key issues of interest include what can be done to address challenges facing the sector including coming up with a strategy geared at bolstering confidence in the entire value chains,” Junior Vice president Zimbabwe Builders and Contractors Association, Mr Future Chakanyuka said.
“What we are interrogating today marks a huge milestone in the development of the construction sector as we put our heads together and find each other on matters of interest, the need to facilitate a workable approach for the success of this consultative process becomes imperative,” president of the Zimbabwe Institute of Regional and Urban Planners, Dr Admire Mudawo said.
The government has assured support for the initiative meant to ensure the construction industry’s growth.
“In 1990 we had CIFOZ created to look after white contractors and all the projects were being channelled to CIFOZ, so we need a regulatory mechanism that looks at all the areas, noting the fact that for an economy to be ticking there is massive construction activities, so as we interrogate let us look at our role in the turnaround of the economy, basically there is unity of purpose in ensuring that what we are deliberating today will further scale the current efforts to restore sanity and order in the construction value chains,” Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe said.
The Bill seeks to regulate contractors, promote best practices, stimulate infrastructure development, promote the participation of local contractors, monitor operating conditions for the contractors, stamp out illegal construction operations and make recommendations to the government on matters affecting construction activities, among others.
