Zimpapers Logo

Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]

THE construction sector has remained steadfast in support of the Second Republic infrastructure development agenda despite headwinds affecting business, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has said.

Minister Garwe said contractors have responded positively to the clarion call for locals to participate in the development of the country through the upscaling of their internal capacities, in terms of skills and equipment, among others.

“Despite some headwinds affecting business, the construction industry has remained steadfast in its support for the Second Republic.

“They have expressed their appreciation of the Second Republic’s progressive policies that have seen the sector grow in leaps and bounds in the last few years.

“Indeed, they have taken to heart His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa’s guiding mantra ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo” Minister Garwe told delegates at the inaugural Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association summit here in Victoria Falls.

Added Minister Garwe, “The theme of this Summit, “Leveraging Investment in infrastructure as a catalyst for Economic Growth,” is therefore an affirmation and the industry’s commitment to partner Government in infrastructure development as we journey towards attaining the aspirations of Vision 2030.

He said the Local Government and Public Works ministry has committed itself to creating an enabling environment for the construction industry to thrive, recognising its potential to drive economic growth, create employment, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

As part of rebuilding the economy, the Government identified infrastructure as one of the key economic enablers and priority has been placed on infrastructural development including road rehabilitation, the construction of dams, and housing projects among others.

Infrastructure development also dovetails with the Second Republic’s vision of an upper middle-income economy by 2030, which is anchored on the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1).