STRUCTURE AND DESIGN ISSUE 82

ISSUE 82 | ZIMBABWE’S LEADING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT MAGAZINE

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PUBLISHER’S MEMO The new SPAR Cardinals Corner demonstrates a paradigm shift in retail architecture and experiential design, successfully moving beyond traditional formats to create an interactive, high-design environment. The concept, created by the SPAR Zimbabwe Projects team, successfully moves beyond traditional supermarket formats to create an interactive, high-design retail environment that prioritises both aesthetics and operational efficiency. The interior design is a masterful execution of a “vibrant, interactive marketplace” concept. A critical design element is the communication of brand positioning through subtle yet powerful visual cues. This was achieved by integrating strategically placed colours and patterns throughout the store. These choices were not arbitrary; they reflect the rich cultural symbolism of Zimbabwe, utilising traditional motifs and patterns to celebrate the store’s deep connection to the local community.

This commitment to high standards is visible in the efforts being made across the value chain. The Architects Council of Zimbabwe (ACZ) welcomes the firm resolve of various local authorities to fully enforce the Architects Act Chapter 27:01 and the new Statutory Instrument 56 of 2025 (SI 56/2025), ensuring professional discipline.

Complementing this, Zimbabwe has formally initiated the consultation process for a comprehensive Contractors Construction Bill, a major legislative push designed to enforce stringent adherence to quality and professional standards, set to establish a crucial Construction Contractors Authority. Crucially, the Green Building Council of Zimbabwe (GBCZ) and the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) have cemented a powerful alliance by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), placing sustainability at the core of all future development.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its content, neither editor nor publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or errors: or for any misfortune, injury, or damages which may arise there-of.

The results of this refined focus are already visible in our structures. The completion of the CBZ Bank complex at Stand Number 106 McChlery Avenue, Eastlea, managed by CBZ Properties, signals more than just a fresh corporate address; it sets a new benchmark for corporate resilience and sustainability in the commercial property market.

No Part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electric or mechanical, including photocopying or recording.

Beyond corporate and commercial excellence, the human element remains paramount.

Dulux reminds us how integral colour is to our well-being, demonstrating how thoughtful chemistry and genuine care are helping to build a more sustainable, caring Zimbabwe.

Their focus on creating healthier homes shows how simple elements, like a fresh coat of paint, can improve indoor air quality and uplift the mood in environments where Zimbabweans are looking to feel safe and inspired. As an industry, we are not just erecting buildings; we are architecting the nation’s future, one defined by quality, sustainability, and unparalleled aspiration.

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ISSUE 82

PUBLISHER Caast Media Group MARKETING Tinashe Mafiko Newton Musara +263 781 421 866 +263 789 532918

contents

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DESIGN, LAYOUT & VIDEOGRAPHY WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA Saul Chidakwa Zimiso Geoffrey Nyamande Olga Gertrude Dzingo Princess Kuvengurwa Tinaani Francis Garikayi Albert Chitumba JOURNALISTS Martin Chemhere DISTRIBUTION Itai Kanyemba Gift Sepi

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PHOTOGRAPHY CAAST MEDIA GROUP EMAIL marketing1@caastmedia.org markerting@structureanddesign.co.zw FIND US AT 31 Alexander Rd, Highlands, Harare

YOUR VISION, OUR DILIGENCE Services Offered

• Brickwork • Plastering • Painting • Plumbing • Ceiling installations • Electrical installations • Joinery (woodwork) • Tiling (floor and wall) • Steelwork & Metalwork • Renovations • Shopfitting (installing fixtures & fittings in retail spaces) +263 71 874 5936 +263 71 501 5794 +263 77 402 5879 redsiinvestment@gmail.com 5 Barking Road, Willowvale, Harare Stand No. 23, 15th Avenue Between Fife Street & G Silundika, Bulawayo

ELEVATED RETAIL DESIGN: SPAR CARDINALS CORNER HARARE, ZIMBABWE

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The new SPAR Cardinals Corner isn't just a store; it represents a paradigm shift in retail architecture and experiential design. The concept, created by the SPAR Zimbabwe Projects team, successfully moves beyond traditional supermarket formats to create an interactive, high-design retail environment that prioritises both aesthetics and operational efficiency.

Interior Architecture and Customer Experience The interior design is a masterful execution of a "vibrant, interactive marketplace" concept.

A critical design element is the communication of brand positioning through subtle yet powerful visual cues.

This was achieved by integrating strategically placed colours and patterns throughout the store. These choices were not arbitrary; they reflect the rich cultural symbolism of Zimbabwe, utilising traditional motifs and patterns to celebrate the store’s deep connection to the local community. This design choice powerfully communicates a commitment to sourcing local wherever possible.

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Simultaneously, the overall design and updated branding, developed in collaboration with SPAR International, skilfully balance this local pride with a celebration of the international SPAR family, giving the store a refined global perspective and quality standard.

The theatrical layout is defined by a deliberately colourful and fresh material palette, anchored by updated and modernised branding elements.

• Illumination as a Design Tool: The space is dramatically enhanced by a custom-designed lighting scheme. Focused illumination highlights product zones and display features, while the extensive use of energy-efficient LED fixtures ensures visual clarity, reduces running costs, and contributes to the overall architectural quality of the space.

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• Tactile and Interactive Features: A truly unique design anchor is the self-serve station for fresh spices and traditional grains.

This bespoke, market-style installation serves as an interactive focal point, providing a sensory, tactile connection for the shopper that deliberately echoes historical market structures within a modern context.

• Engineered Comfort: For shopper well-being, the entire facility is managed by a full air-conditioning system, ensuring a consistently comfortable climate, which is an often-overlooked aspect of effective interior structural design.

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A Symbol of Local Commitment

At the entrance, the store's "vibrant, interactive marketplace" concept culminates in a masterful sculpture by local artist Ignatius Ornaments, simply entitled "The Baobab."

This focal art piece powerfully celebrates the cultural and practical significance of the Baobab in Zimbabwean tradition, serving as the ultimate visual cue for the store's "local" brand positioning and its commitment to sourcing local wherever possible.

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Sustainable Engineering and Infrastructure In a crucial demonstration of future-forward construction and operational planning, the new facility has made significant investments in sustainable infrastructure.

• Green Refrigeration Technology: All refrigeration units across the SPAR facility utilise green CO2 efficient refrigerant. This choice represents a firm commitment to a sustainable future, significantly lowering the store's operational carbon footprint and energy consumption compared to conventional systems.

• Specialised Vinyl Flooring – unlike concrete or ceramic tiles, the vinyl composition provides more comfort underfoot, which can reduce physical fatigue for employees who stand or walk for long periods.

The flooring also offers slip resistance. There are also environmental benefits, as the tiles are made of up to 80% controlled recycled materials and are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. They also contribute to good indoor air quality (low VOC emissions), are phthalate and formaldehyde-free, and REACH compliant.

• Functional Innovation (Tops at SPAR): The adjacent Tops at SPAR facility features a purpose-built walk-in chiller for bulk beverages. Equipped with automated access doors, this structural addition enhances workflow efficiency and energy retention, while simultaneously presenting a sleek, industrial aesthetic that complements the modern design.

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THE COLLABORATIVE DESIGN PROCESS The successful implementation of this innovative retail concept was the result of a highly collaborative effort. The core concept and structural layout were refined through extensive internal brainstorming, with brand positioning and retail flow guided by the expertise of SPAR International.

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The interior and exterior branding installation was managed by Brandwagon, with specialised production and installation support from Pixelhub, Signs of the Times, and All Out Signs. This strategic decision to distribute production and installation across multiple specialised service providers was a deliberate project management tactic to mitigate installation bottlenecks and ensure an expedited, high-quality final fit-out.

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Green Refrigeration Technology: All refrigeration units across the SPAR facility utilise green CO2 efficient refrigerant.

This choice represents a firm commitment to a sustainable future, significantly lowering the store's operational carbon footprint and energy consumption compared to conventional systems.

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This is an amazing opportunity to build a primary residence, vacation or retirement home offering a serene living experience and stunning views. For the discerning rental investor, this is an opportunity to earn prime rental income and long-term capital growth from both short- and long-term rentals in a city that has enjoyed premier travel destination status for decades.

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PENSION FUND INVESTMENT IGNITES URBAN RENEWAL IN SHURUGWI

The trend of significant real estate investment is diversifying across Zimbabwe, with a major national pension fund dedicated to the mining sector spearheading a substantial housing development in the Midlands town of Shurugwi. This investment signals a crucial shift away from Harare-centric projects, directing institutional capital toward regional growth and member welfare.

The fund, focused on providing retirement income for employees in the mining industry, has partnered with the local authority, the Shurugwi Town Council, on a residential project valued at an estimated US$2.8 million. This significant capital injection is dedicated to developing 310 medium- to low-density residential stands in the Impali area of the town. This initiative directly addresses Shurugwi's critical housing shortage, which has struggled to meet the rising demand from the local population, including the many families linked to the mining sector.

A representative from the pension fund emphasized that the initiative reflects a deep commitment to improving the welfare of its members well beyond standard retirement benefits. "This is not just an investment in property — it’s an investment in dignity, stability, and the future of our contributing community," the representative stated.

The development is a showcase of complete infrastructure delivery, a key factor in ensuring smooth urban expansion.

According to the Town Council's Housing and Community Services Officer, the stands are fully serviced, with access roads, storm-water drainage systems, and full water and sewer reticulation having reached 100% physical completion.

This meticulous preparation ensures that home seekers acquire ready-to-build plots immediately, aligning with the town council’s broader urban renewal strategy and supporting national development goals.

The continuous investment by the fund is transforming the local landscape and decentralizing economic growth from major urban centres. The pension fund has dedicated significant resources to Shurugwi, a town sitting strategically along the mineral-rich Great Dyke corridor, and is setting a powerful new model for responsible investment that effectively bridges a critical social need with long-term economic sustainability.

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WORKSHOP FORGES INTEGRATED INFRASTRUCTURE BLUEPRINT The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development's Strategic Planning Workshop recently hosted a workshop, where officials and stakeholders held intensive sessions to finalize a bold, integrated, and inclusive infrastructure blueprint for the nation. The workshop set the course for a comprehensive transformation of the national transport landscape, moving decisively towards systems that prioritize efficiency and national connectivity.

Kicking off the proceedings, Permanent Secretary Engineer J.P. Makumbe delivered a powerful and galvanizing opening address. Eng. Makumbe called for a transformative course, challenging participants to move past traditional, siloed approaches to project development. "We must design a system where our roads, railways, ports, and airports function not as separate entities, but as a single, efficient network," she asserted. This unified vision is central to the Ministry's new strategy, which aims to create seamless movement of goods and people across the country and connect critical economic zones.

However, the Permanent Secretary also injected a dose of pragmatic realism into the high-level discussions. She underscored the critical principle that "a plan is useless without the capacity and funding to execute it." Eng. Makumbe reiterated that the Ministry is strategically aiming to leverage its recent achievements, notably its accolade as the Best Performing Ministry for the year 2024, as a platform for securing the massive investments needed. This proven track record, she suggested, provides the necessary confidence for both domestic and international partners.

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The Permanent Secretary further challenged the assembled experts not to rest on their laurels. She urged every participant to work relentlessly to craft a robust, executable final plan that will not only guide billions in investment but fundamentally shape the quality of life for every citizen—from the farmer transporting produce to the commuter traveling to work.

A frank and solutions-oriented atmosphere has been the prevailing mood of the workshop. Key sessions on day two are dedicated to critically examining past projects, with a strong emphasis on avoiding complacency and learning from any shortcomings. Stakeholders are participating in high-level risk assessments and feasibility studies, ensuring the final blueprint is not only ambitious but also resilient and achievable. The Ministry's determined drive signals a new era of infrastructure development, focused on execution, integration, and sustainable impact.

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ZIMRE UNVEILS MODERN GATED COMMUNITY IN BULAWAYO

Property firm Zimre Property Investments (ZPI) has officially launched a significant new development in Bulawayo's Selbourne Park—a gated community project comprising 56 fully-serviced residential stands. This initiative, valued at approximately US$1 million, has been hailed as a strong example of the success achievable through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in accelerating essential infrastructure development.

The 56 stand units have been furnished with comprehensive infrastructure, meeting the highest standards for modern residential living. The work included the installation of a full road network, sewer and water reticulation systems, and a robust drainage system. Specifically, the development incorporated a 1.4-kilometre road and stormwater investment, 1.1 kilometres of water reticulation, and the sinking of a 120-metre borehole to augment potable water supply.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, a representative of the local authority emphasized that the project underscores the City of Bulawayo’s unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable accommodation for all residents.

This commissioning follows the recent completion of three other housing projects in the suburbs of Mahatshula East, Luveve North, and Emganwini, demonstrating the local authority’s pledge to inclusive development, ensuring that no community is left behind.

The local authority commended the developer for its professionalism in executing the project, stating that the city places a high value on collaborations that drive sustainable urban growth. The development adheres strictly to the City of Bulawayo’s policy, which mandates property developers to provide all requisite infrastructure, such as roads, drainage systems, water, and sewer reticulation, before the construction of superstructures can commence.

This injection of 56 new stands is expected to make a tangible contribution to reducing the city’s substantial housing backlog, which currently stands at approximately 144,000 households on the waiting list. It was highlighted that it will take a “whole-of-society approach,” with the private sector playing a pivotal role, to effectively address the crisis. By delivering this project, the company is also contributing directly to the central Government’s target of delivering 1.2 million housing units by 2030, a key step towards achieving an upper-middle-income society.

A representative of the property firm’s holding company noted that while housing projects are complex to conceptualise and coordinate among stakeholders, they provide immense economic stimulus. Such developments create widespread aggregate demand, engaging a multitude of industries from transport and construction material manufacturing (like bricks, cement, roofing, and window frames) to local retailers, positively impacting the surrounding community.

Furthermore, a representative from the legislative body stressed that the nation recognises that prosperity is intrinsically linked to people having access to decent and affordable housing. They urged for a development model defined by transparent allocation and genuine affordability to ensure equitable access for deserving citizens and build public trust in the development process. The local authority has reaffirmed its commitment to providing an enabling environment for all investors, including efforts to cut bureaucratic red tape.

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ZIMBABWE EXPERIENCES INVESTMENT SURGE IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Zimbabwe’s construction sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom, firmly positioning itself as a key driver for the country's aspiration to achieve an uppermiddle-income status by 2030, in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) goals. This robust expansion is underscored by massive investment and a surge in local manufacturing capacity. Already this year, investments exceeding US$800 million have flowed into projects spanning vital areas like roads, dams, and social amenities, demonstrating strong confidence from both the government and the private sector.

The growth is intrinsically linked to a substantial increase in local production, particularly in cement manufacturing. Over five large-scale cement manufacturing plants have been established or are being significantly expanded this year alone. This industrial surge is clearly evidenced in Mashonaland West, which is rapidly emerging as a new industrial hub. The region recently attracted a landmark investment with the launch of the US$1 billion Whi-Zim International cement plant in Magunje, signalling a national commitment to import substitution and supporting the local value chain.

The primary drivers sustaining this trajectory are multifaceted. Government investment remains critical, strategically channelled towards large-scale infrastructure development, including vital road networks and crucial energy and manufacturing projects. Simultaneously, private sector participation has escalated, with increased capital being poured into real estate, industrial parks, and commercial developments to meet growing urbanisation demands. The local manufacturing pillar is also expanding beyond cement into areas like steel recycling and secondary manufacturing, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of growth.

Despite this positive momentum, the sector continues to grapple with significant challenges that threaten to restrain its full potential. Chronic cement shortages persist, as local production, even with the new plants, struggles to meet the booming national demand, resulting in persistently high prices.

Furthermore, pervasive infrastructure constraints, particularly concerning the need for improved transportation networks and a reliable energy supply, present a significant bottleneck for developers. While the country's second-largest city, Bulawayo, and new industrial areas like Mashonaland West are seeing investment, the capital, Harare, faces distinct difficulties in capitalizing fully on its central advantages due to these ongoing infrastructural and logistical pressures.

Looking ahead, the construction sector's continued growth is highly anticipated. It is backed by clear government policy under NDS1 and consistent private investment, making it a central pillar in the nation’s ambitious economic roadmap toward 2030.

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GBCZ AND CIFOZ PARTNER FOR A GREENER ZIMBABWE

The Green Building Council of Zimbabwe (GBCZ) and the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) recently formally cemented a powerful alliance by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This eagerly anticipated partnership signified a collective and determined commitment to fundamentally transform the nation's construction sector, placing sustainability at the core of all future development.

The collaboration is specifically designed to rapidly embed sustainable practices, eco-friendly materials, and innovative green designs into every facet of the country's built environment. This dedication will translate directly into tangible benefits for the community, most notably through the proliferation of more eco-friendly buildings. These future homes, commercial complexes, and offices will be rigorously engineered to be significantly more energy and water efficient, drastically reducing utility costs and the overall carbon footprint associated with property ownership and operation.

Beyond the physical structures, a central pillar of the MoU is focused on skills development and capacity building. The agreement mandates the creation of comprehensive training programs to upskill local contractors, artisans, and professionals in the latest green building techniques and technologies. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that the transition to sustainable construction is driven by a highly competent local workforce, fostering job creation and economic growth aligned with global environmental standards.

This strategic partnership between GBCZ, the leading advocate for green building standards, and CIFOZ, the authoritative voice of the construction industry, effectively unites the visionaries with the implementers. It creates a robust framework for unified policy advocacy, standardized best practices, and the seamless integration of sustainable procurement throughout the entire supply chain.

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For Zimbabwe, this MoU is not merely a formality; it is a foundational pledge to build a more resilient and environmentally responsible nation, proving that economic development and ecological stewardship can advance hand-in-hand. The organizations expressed profound gratitude to all the stakeholders and attendees who witnessed this significant moment, declaring that the future of construction in Zimbabwe is definitively looking greener and brighter than ever before.