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Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga has underlined the necessity of a stronger partnership between the Government and private sector to facilitate infrastructure development.

Addressing delegates at the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Confex (AfriConfex) in Bulawayo yesterday, Dr Chiwenga warned that slow and cautious progress would not be enough to create the transformation required to better Zimbabwe’s economy.

He stressed that having efficient infrastructure was a crucial element in realising national objectives and attaining socio-economic advancements.

Dr Chiwenga said the Second Republic has made it a priority to reinstate and expand basic infrastructure services in crucial industries such as energy, transportation, water and sanitation.

Vice-President Chiwenga addresses delegates to the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference (AfriConfex) in Bulawayo yesterday

“With such investments, we are indeed delivering nation-shaping projects which support economic and social objectives,” said Dr Chiwenga.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development co-organised the conference themed “Resilient Cities, Thriving Africa: Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Growth”.

It was held to coincide with the Government’s ongoing efforts to implement a series of high-impact infrastructure projects aimed at transitioning the country to a middle-income economy by 2030.

Dr Chiwenga said the success of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) depends heavily on the quality of a nation’s infrastructure and how it contributes to its citizens’ quality of life.

Robust infrastructure development plays a vital role in addressing poverty and ensuring citizens’ access to critical services such as housing, education, healthcare, and sanitation.

However, achieving this objective will require stronger public-private partnerships.

“I am convinced that slow and incremental change in our infrastructure development will not deliver the transformation that the people of Zimbabwe and the entire African continent desire and deserve. Therefore, it is vital that both Government and the private sector continue to collaborate and innovate in delivering modern infrastructure projects,” he said.

President Mnangagwa

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to private sector participation in infrastructure development.

He urged private companies and communities to complement the Government’s efforts in driving the country’s economic recovery and growth trajectory.

“Together as one, we can do more to accelerate sustainable infrastructure investments in Zimbabwe through win-win partnerships. Partnerships between Government, business and civil society are an effective mechanism towards achieving sustainable development,” said Dr Chiwenga.

“By bringing together the resources, competencies, and constituencies of different partners, we can as a nation tackle our infrastructural challenges in innovative ways, build buy-in and ownership from stakeholders, and find context-appropriate and sustainable solutions to influence and benefit society.”

He also highlighted the high costs associated with infrastructure development, stressing the need for “smart infrastructure investment” that maximises the value of every dollar from both public and private funds. He emphasised reducing bureaucracy to lower infrastructure development costs.

National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)

Looking at the broader African context, Dr Chiwenga noted that with the continent’s population projected to double by 2050, there is an urgent need for African nations to unite and collaborate on infrastructure projects that will support sustainable economic growth.

“Therefore, there is an urgent need to invest in infrastructure projects that can support sustainable economic growth for African projects,” he said.

Dr Chiwenga urged delegates to consider the close link between urbanisation and economic development.

“While urbanisation on its own does not cause development, sustained economic growth cannot occur without urbanisation.

In light of this paradox, the development of urban areas requires a great deal of forward-thinking and thorough planning to make them functional, absorbing growth in populations and attracting businesses,” he said.

“Every critical aspect of an urban environment depends on how its layout is planned. This includes key infrastructure, transportation, city area layout and density.”

Vice-President Chiwenga open AfriConfex

Zimbabwe, like other African nations, has seen rapid urbanisation, which has strained local authorities’ ability to provide adequate services. This has resulted in challenges such as inadequate water, sanitation, transport systems and housing.

To address these issues, Dr Chiwenga said the Government has directed all local authorities to craft masterplans by the end of this year. These masterplans will guide land use, water supply, transportation, housing provision and environmental protection.

“This directive is meant to ensure that local authorities possess an overall land use document in relation to relevant services of water supply, transport, road networks, housing provision and environmental protections” said Dr Chiwenga.

“It is expected that this initiative will guarantee that land is used efficiently, minimising sprawl and maximising density.”

Dr Chiwenga reminded delegates of the ‘Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery: The First Stage of Interventions to Modernise the Operations of Local Authorities Towards Vision 2030”, which was launched by President Mnangagwa last year.

Under this blueprint, local authorities must achieve service delivery standards that match an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

The Call to Action outlines several areas of concern that local authorities must address, including legal compliance, land management and property valuation for rating purposes.

Dr Chiwenga said by aligning local authority service provision with Vision 2030, Zimbabwe can ensure efficient land use, minimise urban sprawl and maximise population density for sustainable urban development.