The National Executive of the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association met with the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon. Saviour Kasukuwere together with his Permanent Secretary and other principals on the 22nd of February 2017.
The meeting was joined by quite a number of Mayors to several cities, as well as the secretariat from the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe.
Pertinent issues relevant to the industry were discussed at length in the meeting, including the following:
– The Proposed Contractors Bill
– Issues relating to Rules of Engagement
– Development of Urban Infrastructure
– Land being made available for housing developments
– Tenders and Grading
One message that was consistent that came from the stakeholders and government was the issue of starting the transformation process of evolving from just being contractors into infrastructural development companies.
Most companies have been operating as sub-contractors to major projects in the country.
The idea is to have these organisations develop into companies that focus on structuring financial models and look for funding in order to tender on either BOT/PPP’s or Design and Build Contracts, so as to enable them to land more work and shift into modern trends.
Capacity building was another issue that was discussed and would be focused on going forward.
This is not only referring to the lack of equipment , a problem of which can be remedied by the availability of more work, but referring to the ability to have mental and strategic mind frame to move with changing trends and the ability to implement growth within organisations.
In light of such developments Dr. Nigel Chanakira was engaged as a consultant to help package such deals . He has willingly made himself available for all meetings and engagements held.
Members have in the past been sceptical about such meetings, believing that they are just talk shows, but the association is focusing on taking the first steps to ensuring that they action on the key result areas to achieving their grand strategic plan.
