THE Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA) is set to leverage the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) industrial week to seek ways to boost the industry and economic growth.
Zimbabwe is set to host the Sadc summit and industrial week from July 28 to August 2 in Harare.
ZBCA incoming president Tinashe Manzungu said the association will use this platform to advocate for policies and regulations that support the growth and competitiveness of the construction industry.
“As a country, we are hosting the Sadc industrialisation week in a few days to come and the world's eyes are on Zimbabwe as we seek innovative ways to boost our industries and drive economic growth. The current landscape presents both challenges and unparalleled opportunities for our industry,” Manzungu said.
“The growing urbanisation trend within Sadc places a significant demand on our expertise and our priorities will include: Advocating for policies and regulations that support the growth and competitiveness of the construction industry partnering with government and other stakeholders to develop infrastructure projects that empower local contractors.”
Manzungu said they are going to work closely with the government, the private sector and international partners.
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“As we embark on this journey, we call upon all Zimbabweans to support our efforts and to work together to build a stronger and more prosperous nation,” he said.
“Together, we can create a thriving construction industry that is not only economically robust, but also socially responsible, an industry that prioritises safety, environmental consciousness and the creation of sustainable infrastructure for generations to come.”
He said that he was confident that the association will continue to be a driving force behind the progress of the nation and the region as a whole.
The association recently elected a new presidium, consisting of senior vice president, Gerald Chipumha, junior vice president Galdencia Sigauke, and the immediate past president, Christopher Mawere.
“I have a clear mandate to revitalise the construction sector and position it as a key driver of Zimbabwe's development agenda,” he said.
“We will work tirelessly to attract investment, innovation and empowerment of local contractors through horizontal networking with likeminded associations especially those within the Sadc region, coupled with exchange programs where our own contractors can visit other countries and vice-versa to improve construction processes.
“Lateral networking with various stakeholders locally, regionally and internationally like association of material suppliers in Egypt, LCCI for investors will be key and we have already started the preliminary talks.”