Zimbabwe has formally initiated the consultation process for the development of a comprehensive Contractors Construction Bill; a major legislative effort designed to overhaul the country’s infrastructure sector and enforce stringent adherence to quality and professional standards. The proposed law is intended to establish a Construction Contractors Authority, a new regulatory body that will introduce much-needed discipline and accountability across the entire construction value chain.
The move comes as the sector experiences a significant building boom, with numerous high-profile projects—from road rehabilitation to massive housing schemes—underway. Despite this expansion, the industry has long suffered from the absence of a unified, robust regulatory framework, leading to concerns over substandard workmanship, inconsistent quality, and limited consumer protection. The Bill directly addresses these issues by seeking to regulate all contractors, promote best practices, and actively stamp out illegal construction operations.
The proposed Authority will be tasked with several critical functions previously lacking in a single body. This includes maintaining a comprehensive national register of contractors and suppliers, grading them according to their capacity, competence, and specialisation. The grading will cover various categories, including building, civil engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, and specialised services like fitting, flooring, and plant hire. This categorisation will ensure that only qualified firms undertake projects commensurate with their ability, thereby protecting public and private investment.
Furthermore, the Bill aims to dramatically enhance efficiency and accountability, which is expected to boost confidence and increase the uptake of major infrastructure projects across the country. Stakeholders, including representatives from key industry bodies like the Zimbabwe Builders and Contractors Association and the Zimbabwe Institute of Regional and Urban Planners, emphasized at a recent consultative forum that the legislation is a critical step towards modernising the industry.
The government has assured its full support for the initiative, which seeks to foster a more inclusive sector. A key focus is on correcting historical imbalances and promoting the greater participation of local contractors in national development projects. The legislation will also introduce clear mechanisms for the Authority to monitor operating conditions, recommend policies to the government, and set minimum standards, particularly concerning occupational safety and health guidelines. The goal is to move the industry from an often fragmented and informal state towards a regulated, structured environment that is ready to drive national economic growth.
