Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Established construction companies in Zimbabwe must play a leading role in mentoring and supporting emerging local contractors to strengthen the country’s capacity for sustainable infrastructure development, a senior industry figure has said.
Past President of the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA), Engineer Francis Mangwendeza, made the call during an interview on the sidelines of a government-led inspection of the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, one of the flagship projects currently undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
The Bulawayo-Nkayi and Bulawayo-Tsholotsho roads are part of 33 national priority road projects earmarked for completion in 2025, with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion targeting 50km of work on each route this year. These initiatives form a central pillar of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Second Republic agenda, which seeks to modernize Zimbabwe’s infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and Vision 2030.
Unlike the First Republic, which heavily relied on foreign firms, the current administration has deliberately placed local contractors at the forefront of critical infrastructure projects such as the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls and Bulawayo-Nkayi roads. The approach aims to build domestic technical capacity, create jobs, and stimulate downstream industries.
“The Second Republic has taken it upon itself to award tenders to local contractors in a sector previously dominated by foreign firms,” Mangwendeza said. “Once they get the quality right, Zimbabwe will have a solid base of contractors capable of sustaining national infrastructure development.”
While acknowledging that some local contractors have yet to meet the highest standards, Mangwendeza argued that this is precisely why established players must step in to mentor newcomers.
“The quality aspect is very important, but as we empower our local contractors, there will inevitably be some who fall short. That’s part of the growth process,” he noted. “Instead of abandoning them, big contractors should help them improve so that the entire industry benefits.”
Mangwendeza stressed that quality remains non-negotiable, as poor workmanship not only damages the country’s reputation but could also open the door for foreign companies to reclaim dominance.
“We cannot have roads that crumble after one rainy season. Good workmanship must be the standard – and government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, is very strict about that,” he said.
He also encouraged young people and women entering the construction industry to embrace patience, discipline, and continuous learning.
“There is no overnight success in construction. Young contractors must work hard, deliver on their promises, and invest in proper training. The ZBCA has set up youth and women’s desks to support those eager to join the sector, and we are already seeing encouraging results,” Mangwendeza said.
Citing the successful completion of the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway by local firms following the cancellation of Geiger International’s contract, Mangwendeza hailed the government’s empowerment policy as a resounding success.
“The Second Republic’s mantra – nyika inovakwa nevene vayo (a nation is built by its own people) – is coming to life. Local contractors are proving their worth, and this is a milestone worth celebrating,” he said.
New Ziana
