It is my distinct honour to preside over the Official Opening of the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe Congress. I am cognizant that the Construction Industry is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about building trust, confidence, and the very foundations of our national development. Each road, dam, bridge, and building you deliver is a bold statement of who we are as a people and where we are determined to go.
Your presence here in Masvingo, underscores your unwavering commitment to our collective journey towards the attainment of a prosperous, empowered, and modern society. The implementation of the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) has already demonstrated what can be achieved when Government and industry work hand-in-hand. As we now prepare to transition to National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), the construction sector must remain at the centre of this national transformation agenda.
Esteemed Delegates,
The Construction industry is pivotal in Government’s realisation of set goals and targets. The vibrancy and innovations of your industry signals the sustainable growth trajectory our economy is taking. Allow me to commend the construction industry for achievements in some of the following areas:
1. As an Economic Regulator and Employment Creation, this industry is a significant employer, creating thousands of jobs and providing livelihoods for countless families. It is a critical regulator of economic activity, stimulating demand across various sectors, from manufacturing to logistics.
2. Through Infrastructural Development, Allow me to commend the progress already made in rehabilitating major highways such as Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu and constructing dams like Muchekeranwa and Gwayi-Shangani. You are making our country more connected, more resilient, and more productive.
3. On Housing and Social Amenities, I commend the efforts towards construction of schools, clinics, and urban housing that are improving the quality of life for all our citizens. I am particularly proud of the work being done in rolling out high-rise housing projects that maximize land use.
4. In the development of Local Content and Innovation, we must continue to leverage our competitive advantages, especially our natural resource endowment. I urge you to continue prioritizing the use of local materials and to embrace green technologies and innovative, sustainable designs.
5. Gross Domestic Product growth, the construction projects you complete contribute significantly the growth of our country’s GDP.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment. We recognize the challenges you face, from limited access to finance and equipment to cumbersome procurement processes. Government is reviewing policies, easing procurement processes, unlocking affordable lines of credit, and ensuring that even our Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in construction have fair access to opportunities. Recently, I had the privilege of breaking ground at the new Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe head office, which symbolizes our commitment to enhancing public procurement and governance.
We understand that together, we have a shared responsibility to deliver infrastructure that is efficient, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. However, let me emphasise that this partnership must be grounded on ethics, transparency, and purposeful leadership. We cannot and will not tolerate corruption, tender manipulation, or unethical dealings that undermine confidence and compromise delivery. Let this Congress mark a collective pledge: that the Zimbabwean construction industry shall be built on the pillars of honesty, hard work, and professionalism.
