Zimbabwe is moving to replace the country’s 1977 Model Building By-laws with a unified National Building Code as Government seeks to modernise construction s...
Zimbabwe is moving to replace the country’s 1977 Model Building By-laws with a unified National Building Code as Government seeks to modernise construction standards and improve the approval of building projects.
National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Professor Paul Mavima announced the planned regulatory change while addressing the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) Annual General Meeting and Congress in Bulawayo.
He said the existing framework no longer adequately responds to modern construction methods, technologies and the country’s infrastructure needs.
“We are moving from the outdated Model Building by-laws of 1977 towards a modern, unified National Building Code that responds to contemporary construction realities,” Mavima said.
The proposed code is expected to provide updated standards for building safety, resilience and sustainable construction, while making development approvals more efficient.
The Government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) already identifies the review of the 1977 Model Building By-laws as part of wider reforms to housing and construction legislation. The strategy says the reforms should incorporate modern construction technologies, environmental sustainability and urban planning principles, while approval processes should be streamlined to reduce delays.
Move follows calls for national standards
The proposed National Building Code also responds to longstanding calls from the construction industry for a single national framework.
In 2024, the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association called for a national building code, saying the absence of a unified framework had contributed to inconsistencies in building standards and regulatory challenges.
The association said building standards were being managed largely on a regional basis and argued that a national code was necessary to provide a consistent framework for construction across the country.
The International Code Council also states that Zimbabwe does not currently have a national building code and that building standards are regulated regionally.
Government targets one million houses
The regulatory reforms come as Zimbabwe accelerates its housing programme under NDS2.
Government has set a target of delivering at least one million housing units by 2030, a programme that requires participation from the State, private developers, local authorities, financial institutions, manufacturers and communities.
Mavima said the target could not be achieved simply by increasing the number of houses being constructed.
He said developments also needed supporting infrastructure such as roads, water, sanitation and social amenities.
“We cannot build the Zimbabwe of 2030 through shortcuts,” the minister said, warning that poor construction could have consequences for public safety and the wider economy.
He said the country needed to move away from a culture of construction focused solely on speed and quantity towards one based on quality and lasting value.
Focus on modern construction methods
The new regulatory framework is also expected to accommodate construction technologies that could reduce costs and shorten project completion times.
Mavima urged the industry to consider alternative building methods, modular construction, digital design and green technologies as Zimbabwe works to increase housing delivery.
The Government has previously said the review of the 1977 regulations should make it easier to use alternative building technologies, including prefabricated materials and other modern construction methods.
In an August interview, Mavima said committees had already been established to identify gaps in the existing regulations, with stakeholder consultations planned as part of the review process.
The move towards a unified code could therefore provide a clearer regulatory framework for developers using newer construction techniques.
Skills development also targeted
Mavima said Zimbabwe would also need to develop the skills required to support modern construction.
He called for young people to receive training and practical exposure in emerging construction technologies through apprenticeships and other programmes.
The minister said infrastructure development without investment in human capability would leave the country with only part of what was needed for long-term development.
The Government is also seeking greater participation by local contractors and suppliers as housing and infrastructure projects expand.
Minister warns against poor workmanship
Mavima also warned contractors and built-environment professionals against poor workmanship, corruption and unethical conduct.
He called on the industry to reject practices including collusion, inflated costs, conflicts of interest, fraudulent certification and the use of substandard materials.
He said professional standards would become increasingly important as the country expands public and private infrastructure investment.
The minister said every tender awarded, certificate issued, material specified and project supervised carries a responsibility to the public.
Industry expected to play bigger role
Mavima said Government alone could not deliver the one million housing units targeted by 2030.
He called for cooperation between Government, private companies, local authorities, financial institutions, developers, professionals, manufacturers and communities.
Government’s role, he said, would include improving the regulatory environment, facilitating investment and developing appropriate partnership frameworks.
The construction industry, meanwhile, is expected to increase its capacity while maintaining professional and technical standards.
The proposed National Building Code will therefore form part of a broader effort to modernise Zimbabwe’s construction sector, improve the regulatory environment and support the country’s housing and infrastructure targets.
