01/09/2026
A Missing Function in Zimbabwe’s Construction Industry
One area I believe Zimbabwe’s construction industry is lacking is the recognition of Construction Management as a professional function, rather than simply treating it as an activity carried out during construction.
This may be one of the reasons why many projects struggle with time overruns, cost overruns, quality issues and, increasingly, long-term sustainability and life-cycle costs.
Engineers design and provide technical solutions. Architects develop the architectural vision. Quantity Surveyors manage measurement, costing and commercial aspects. But who integrates all these disciplines and turns the project vision into reality?
That is where the Construction Manager comes in.
A Construction Manager brings together planning, coordination, procurement, contract administration, resource management, construction methodology, quality control, risk management, technology and sustainability throughout the project life cycle.
Sustainability should not only be considered when designing a “green building.” It must be maintained throughout procurement, construction, operation and the entire life cycle of the asset. This includes decisions around sustainable materials, construction methods, waste management, energy efficiency, durability and ultimately life-cycle cost.
I therefore believe organisations such as the Green Building Council Of Zimbabwe and the wider construction industry should place greater emphasis on the role and uptake of Construction Managers in project delivery.
Because ultimately:
Architects create the vision.
Engineers provide the technical solution.
Quantity Surveyors establish and manage the cost.
But Construction Managers integrate the people, processes, resources and disciplines to turn the vision into reality.
If Zimbabwe wants projects that are completed on time, within budget, to the required quality and sustainably over their entire life cycle, Construction Management needs to be recognised as a core professional function—not merely an activity.
Construction Management in Zimbabwe Cifoz Zim
