eBusiness Weekly
Kumbirai Tarusarira
The Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) has partnered Zvishavane Town Council in the development of low density housing stands. The bank has also invited prospective partners to submit their tender documents to participate in other projects including an irrigation project.
These key projects are set to create business opportunities for many companies in the construction sector and along the value chains.
IDBZ and Zvishavane Town Council seek to develop 26,2 hectares of virgin land that will yield 165 low density housing stands averaging 1 500m2.
“Additional bulk infrastructure including but not limited to water reservoirs, pump stations and distribution roads, will be constructed to support the on-site municipal services. The proposed housing development seeks to reduce the low-density housing waiting list for Zvishavane, which currently is over 3 500,” said the bank.
The major outcomes of the project would be increased on availability of housing units, improved water supply systems and connectivity through new road and energy infrastructure.
The Department of Irrigation also partnered with IDBZ to undertake the detailed feasibility study and the detailed Environment and Social Impact Assessment (“ESIA”) for irrigation development of the Manyuchi, Muzhwi, Lilstock and Osborne irrigation schemes to meet both the present and future irrigation demands.
“The Department of Irrigation in partnership with IDBZ now invites eligible Zimbabwean consulting firms to indicate their interest by way of an Expression of Interest (EOI) in accordance with requirements stated herein in providing the services as specified in this document.”
“Interested consulting firms should provide information demonstrating that they have the required experience, competences, skills, and qualifications relevant for performance of the services whether as individual firms, joint ventures or as consortia.”
The bank envisaged the construction of a pedestrian footbridge to enhance the safety of the anticipated large numbers of students, as well as the general public, living across the Bulawayo-Gwanda Highway. Furthermore, as a condition of the granting of a development permit, the Bulawayo City authorities also reiterated the need for the erection of the footbridge.
“The bridge will be the first of its kind in the city and occupy a commanding position of prominence as one enters the city,” said the bank.
“It will also be a welcoming feature in the City of Bulawayo for motorists and traffic from Gwanda and further afield from South Africa. Its design should not just be aimed at conveying pedestrians from one side of the road to the other but must enhance the aesthetics of the area. The vision is to create a monument that attracts pedestrians to it and make the area safer for all,” the bank added.
The infrastructure-focused bank, was primarily set up as a vehicle for the promotion of economic development and growth, and improvement of the living standards of Zimbabweans through the development of infrastructure, which includes but not limited to energy, transport, water and sanitation, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and housing.
History of IDBZ
The IDBZ was formed on August 31, 2005, taking over the assets and liabilities of the former Zimbabwe Development Bank (ZDB).
It was primarily set up as a vehicle for the promotion of economic development and growth, and improvement of the living standards of Zimbabweans through the development of infrastructure, which includes but not limited to energy, transport, water and sanitation, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and housing.
In the process the bank’s key project is to create business opportunities for many local companies.
