IN the wake of recent demolitions by the City of Harare that left dozens of families homeless, the Indigenous Advisory Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (IAPAZ) has issued a strong call for order, professionalism, and stricter regulations in the construction industry.
The demolitions, which targeted completed houses reportedly built on illegally acquired land, have sparked widespread concern over the conduct of builders and contractors involved in these projects.
Last Matema, Secretary General of IAPAZ, expressed deep concern over the issue, highlighting significant lapses in compliance with city regulations.
“Under normal and professional circumstances, the construction of houses should only proceed after securing approved building plans from the City of Harare,” Matema said.
“At every stage of construction, from foundation to final completion, builders are mandated to obtain council approvals. It is shocking and unacceptable that houses were completed without these essential approvals in place,” he added.
The demolitions have raised critical questions about the competence and ethics of builders in the affected projects.
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Matema pointed out that the fact that these structures were erected without necessary council approvals points to gross negligence on the part of the contractors.
“How can a competent and ethical builder proceed to complete a house without ensuring compliance with city regulations? This reflects not only a lack of professionalism but also a blatant disregard for human life, possible investment loss, and the emotional well-being of property owners post invocation of city regulations,” he lamented.
Home owners are now facing significant financial losses and emotional distress after their homes were demolished.
Matema sympathized with these families, many of whom were unsuspecting victims who trusted their contractors to comply with all necessary legal requirements.
“Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes and life savings in this tragic situation. It is imperative that builders and contractors operate with integrity and due diligence to prevent such unfortunate occurrences,” he emphasized.
In response to the crisis, IAPAZ is calling on construction industry associations to enforce higher professional standards among their members.
“We urge all construction industry bodies to exert their authority and ensure full compliance with city regulations. Builders must be sensitive to the consequences of disregarding legal frameworks in their professional work,” said Matema.
IAPAZ has already extended a partnership proposal to the Zimbabwe Builders and Contractors Association (ZBCA), the largest contractors’ association in the country. The partnership aims to jointly enhance the capacity of contractors through targeted training and awareness programs.
“The real issue here is not just about fake stands being cited as the cause of demolitions. The crux of the matter is how professional contractors can complete buildings without the requisite council approvals. This lack of oversight is simply unacceptable,” Matema asserted.
IAPAZ is a diverse community of professionals dedicated to fostering collaboration, networking, and partnerships for both personal and national economic advancement. The association was formed to address the fragmentation and silo mentality prevalent among professionals in Zimbabwe.
“Our mission is to eradicate individualism by creating a platform where professionals can cross-pollinate ideas, collaborate, and build partnerships that contribute to the nation’s economic development,” said Matema.
He further highlighted IAPAZ’s commitment to aligning professionals’ skills with the demands of the modern economy, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to which Zimbabwe is a signatory.
“The need for capacity building among professionals is urgent, especially as we prepare to leverage opportunities under AfCFTA,” he added.
Chathes Bungu, Managing Director of Cathes Bungu Construction and Chairperson of IAPAZ’s Construction Desk, echoed Matema’s sentiments.
“While we sympathize with the homeowners who lost their investments, we call upon all construction industry associations to partner with us in advocating for the urgent enactment of the proposed comprehensive construction bill. This bill is crucial for the regulation of our industry to prevent the recurrence of such devastating incidents,” Bungu stated.
Matema and Bungu urged for a collaborative effort to fast-track the enactment of the construction bill currently under review. This bill aims to regulate the construction industry more stringently, ensuring compliance and safeguarding both builders and clients from future losses.
IAPAZ remains steadfast in advocating for reforms that will restore order and professionalism in Zimbabwe’s construction industry. The association believes that by fostering adherence to best practices and regulatory compliance, it can help prevent future tragedies and ensure sustainable development in the sector.