‘Infrastructure gaps limit access to markets’

INADEQUATE infrastructure development is limiting citizens’ access to markets, livelihood opportunities, and essential services, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona has said.

In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco at the recent Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference (Africonfex) in Bulawayo, Minister Mhona emphasised the critical role of infrastructure development in poverty alleviation and job creation, particularly in developing countries like Zimbabwe.

“Well-developed infrastructure ensures better living conditions for the general population and improves the competitiveness of the private businesses. In addition to the output and productivity effects, infrastructure investment is believed to create more jobs than other types of investment through direct, indirect, and induced jobs,” he said.

“Infrastructure is a key ingredient for sustainable development. All countries need efficient transport, sanitation, energy, and communications systems if they are to prosper and provide a decent standard of living for their populations.”

The three-day second edition of Africonfex, which began on Wednesday, is running under the theme: “Resilient Cities, Thriving Africa: Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Growth.” Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga officially opened the event.

AfriConfex-2024

Minister Mhona lamented the decline in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure performance over the years due to several challenges. These include the lack of an integrated approach to infrastructure investment, inadequate funding for maintenance, low public and private sector investment, and insufficient capital and operational funds.

Additionally, the country faces capacity constraints due to the migration of skilled workers, procurement delays, and poor contract management.

“To reverse this trend, corrective measures have been instituted under the visionary leadership of President Dr ED. Mnangagwa when Zimbabwe launched Vision 2030 to chart Zimbabwe’s new development trajectory of achieving an upper middle-income society by 2030, for an empowered and prosperous Zimbabwe,” said Minister Mhona.

He added that Vision 2030, which is being implemented under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), underscores the importance of efficient infrastructure delivery in achieving national priorities and driving socio-economic progress.

“The country thus targets the restoration of basic infrastructure services such as roads and expansion thereof in critical areas, mainly targeting key sectors of energy, transport, water and sanitation, information and communication technology and housing,” said Minister Mhona.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, represented by Deputy Director Percy Takavarasha, highlighted the Government’s efforts to enhance road access and connectivity through partnerships with local contractors.

He noted that using local expertise has demonstrated the success of domesticating Zimbabwe’s economy, but fiscal constraints and limited private capital continue to hamper project completion.

“Government continues to build resilience through the national budgets wherein, climate action programmes and projects, such as the construction of climate resilient infrastructure and investments in renewable energy, are financed,” said Prof Ncube.

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company chairman Mr Busisa Moyo stressed the importance of sustainable infrastructure development amid Africa’s rapid population growth and urbanisation.

“Africonfex 2024 addresses these intersections, highlighting the need for innovative infrastructure solutions,” said Mr Moyo.

“This year’s theme, “Resilient Cities, Thriving Africa: Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Growth,” is, therefore, a powerful call to action for us to build communities that are not only resilient but also inclusive and sustainable.”

This year’s conference focused on key topics such as financing infrastructure projects, developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and the importance of public-private partnerships in driving growth. Vice-President Chiwenga also presented awards to outstanding exhibitors at the event. —chronicle