STRUCTURE AND DESIGN ISSUE 83

PUBLISHER’S MEMO

This issue celebrates a significant paradigm shift in the Zimbabwean built environment, showcasing a move toward sustainable, world-class infrastructure that honours both modern innovation and local heritage. We start-off with highlights of the remarkable new headquarters of Ecobank Zimbabwe Limited, marking their transition from 2 Piers Road to a state-of-the-art facility at No. 4 Piers Road in Borrowdale. This move is a bold declaration of the bank’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

The building serves as a masterclass in how modern architecture can mitigate its ecological footprint. Its most striking feature—the imposing glass facade—is a marvel of engineering, utilizing advanced glass laminate integrated with a solar shield to achieve a delicate balance between form and function. This technology provides a “one-way” visibility effect, ensuring absolute privacy for internal operations while offering occupants an unobstructed view of the affluent Borrowdale landscape. In Lochinvar, Harare, the unveiling of the multi-million-dollar Cut Rag Processors (CRP) facility on November 19, 2025, represented a watershed moment for the national economy. Located on Green Trees Road, this massive investment positions CRP as one of Africa’s largest tobacco processing operations, signalling a tangible commitment to industrialization and value addition.

RADX Construction played a pivotal role in constructing this US$120 million plant in Willowvale, managing the complex brickwork and related civil engineering. While the facility’s state-of-the-art machinery is impressive, the physical integrity of the structure itself stands as a testament to local construction expertise and

The trend toward smarter, greener infrastructure is visible across Zimbabwe, where projects now prioritize longevity and environmental impact. Modern developments, from solar-covered walkways at Arundel School to upgraded public spaces, require specialized coating systems to withstand constant use and harsh weather.

Dulux Pearlglo Water-Based is specifically designed for these demanding environments, offering a tough, mid-sheen enamel suitable for various surfaces, including metal and plaster. By combining the durability of traditional enamel with the benefits of a modern, low-VOC, waterbased system, it ensures that infrastructure remains resilient and sustainable.Urban renewal is further exemplified by the new CBZ Bank complex in Eastlea. Managed by CBZ Properties with a creative vision from Metamorphosis AIDPM, this transformation of an underutilized space into a sleek, multistory office block, highlights contemporary identity through expert glazing and light-grey composite cladding.

Meanwhile, in Victoria Falls, Oasis Realty is pioneering the Eagle Heights mixed-use development, evolving the tourism capital into a premier residential hub. Finally, we explore a refined townhouse refurbishment in Chisipite by Liz Howes, where a luxurious interior curated with an exquisite art collection proves that elegance can be found in the finest details.

We hope this issue inspires you as much as these projects have inspired us. Enjoy the read!

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ECOBANK ZIMBABWE LIMITED’S

NEW HEADQUARTERS SETS A NEW

BENCHMARK FOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Text by Martin Chemhere | Photos by Caast Media Group

Ecobank Zimbabwe Limited, a key subsidiary of the pan-African banking group with a footprint spanning 33 countries, has marked a significant milestone with the relocation of its Head Office from 2 Piers Road to a purpose-built, world-class headquarters at No. 4 Piers Road in Borrowdale, Harare.

The move has not only elevated the architectural presence of this prestigious address but has also introduced a new reference point for contemporary corporate design. More than a conventional office block, the building is a physical expression of environmental stewardship and progressive innovation, redefining expectations for sustainable architecture in Zimbabwe.

Innovative Frontage and Thermal Control

The building’s expansive glass façade is both visually commanding and highly performance driven. Constructed using advanced laminated glazing integrated with a solar-control coating, the envelope delivers controlled one-way visibility, ensuring internal privacy while preserving uninterrupted outward views.

This solar-control layer plays a critical role in thermal regulation, limiting solar heat gain during peak temperature periods while reducing heat loss in cooler conditions. By moderating external thermal loads, the façade stabilizes internal comfort levels and significantly reduces reliance on energy-intensive mechanical heating and cooling systems.

Light and Sight

The building is designed to optimize daylight penetration, thereby reducing dependence on artificial lighting throughout the day. A defining feature is the bespoke skylight system formed from ETFE pillows which are specialized, air-filled membranes that provide superior thermal performance when compared to conventional glazing. These translucent cushions allow daylight to permeate the building’s central spaces while minimizing unwanted solar heat gain.

Water Harvesting and Advanced Engineering

Ecobank Zimbabwe Limited’s Head Office exemplifies sustainable engineering through a closed-loop water management strategy that integrates an efficient internal reticulation system.

All water outlets within the building are fitted with sensor-controlled fittings to regulate flow and minimize unnecessary consumption and wastage. A rainwater harvesting system has been installed, where all collected rainfall is stored and reused for ablution facilities within the building.

Furthermore, the design incorporates an advanced water recycling process in which greywater and harvested rainwater are channeled through an on-site wastewater treatment system that incorporates bio-digestion and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection.

This process treats the water to a suitable standard before it is reused to support the landscaped gardens. This integrated and closed-loop approach enhances the building’s water resilience while contributing to meaningful long-term conservation of this critical natural resource.

Robust Insulation and Modern Ventilation

Thermal efficiency is further enhanced through the performance of the building’s physical envelope. The external walls and internal partitions incorporate a layered assembly comprising insulation, galvanized sheeting, and Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP), forming an effective thermal barrier.

This envelope assembly reduces heat transfer and ensures that internal workspaces maintain comfortable conditions with minimal reliance on mechanical systems. This emphasis on performance extends to the building’s ventilation strategy.

In response to internal recommendations to exceed the original design specification, the HVAC system was upgraded from MV6 to MV8 VRF technology. The enhanced system delivers improved indoor air quality, increased energy efficiency, and reduced operational noise levels.

Collaborative and Energy-Efficient Workspaces

The interior planning is guided by an open and collaborative workplace strategy. Through the introduction of strategically positioned open zones, the layout achieves a high degree of visual transparency, enabling clear sightlines across the floor plate. Importantly, the design deliberately limits the number of offices enclosed.

This approach not only supports collaboration and interaction but also reduces demand for artificial lighting and localized air-conditioning, resulting in a workspace that is both energy-efficient and highly functional.

Achieving Global Accolades

The project is a national pioneer, becoming Zimbabwe’s first development to achieve certification under the International Finance Corporation (IFC) EDGE programme; Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies.

The Bank is progressing towards EDGE Advanced certification, an internationally recognized green building standard that benchmarks measurable reductions in operational energy use, water consumption, and embodied carbon within construction materials.

The IFC has profiled Ecobank Zimbabwe Limited’s Head Office as a regional best-practice case study, positioning it as a reference project to encourage wider adoption of sustainable building standards across the SADC region.

Operational performance of the building is supported by an integrated Building Management System (BMS), reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to technologydriven efficiency and long-term asset optimization. The Bank acknowledges the collective contribution of all stakeholders involved in the successful delivery of this milestone.

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CUT RAG PROCESSORS UNVEILS

NEW TOBACCO PROCESSING GIANT

The unveiling of the multi-million-dollar Cut Rag Processors (CRP) facility in Lochinvar, Harare, on November 19, 2025, represented a watershed moment for the Zimbabwean economy. This investment is not merely an expansion; it is the establishment of a world-class processing powerhouse, instantly positioning CRP as one of Africa's largest tobacco processing operations. The impressive facility, located on Green Trees Road, is a tangible sign of Zimbabwe's commitment to industrialisation and value addition, objectives that lie at the heart of the national economic agenda.

Text by Martin Chemhere | Photos by Caast media

This expansion results in a production capacity that is almost triple that of CRP's previous operations, enabling the company to process a significantly larger portion of the national tobacco crop into high-grade, export-ready products.

The architectural and engineering feat:

The structure housing this complex machinery is an architectural and engineering feat in itself. The design is based on a modern, functional concept that ensures operational hygiene and an efficient linear flow of the tobacco processing. The exterior is characterized by a large, modern facade of white and dark grey, showcasing a hightech industrial complex.

The scale of the site is massive, encompassing an area of approximately 6 hectares (60,000 square meters), and the built area is more than 40,000 square meters. The main factory bays reach impressive heights of around 16 meters, requiring advanced structural engineering, including complex piling, ground beams, and the integration of two sets of ring beams for stability.

The final structure is framed by concrete columns and features a durable brick skin.

To ensure the foundation for the heavy machinery was perfectly level, the contractors, including civil engineering specialists like RADX Construction, employed cutting-edge construction technology.

This included self-levelling technology using GPS to achieve 100% accurate slab levels. For the finishing, they utilized drive-on power floating and polishing machines instead of manual equipment, drastically boosting efficiency and accelerating the construction timeline, which began in October 2022 and was substantially complete a year prior to the official commissioning. The supporting infrastructure is equally expansive, including a paved parking area and dedicated driveways.

Project delivery and local content:

The successful delivery of the US$120 million facility mirrored the professionalism of local project management and labour. At its peak, the construction phase employed a massive workforce of 560 people across the main contractor and various subcontractors.

The project management and cost control were handled by professional consultants, including Matrix Quantity Survey and Project Managers (MQSPM), who served as the Quantity Surveyor for the facility, with key professionals like Richard Dodington (Project Manager) and Derek Landman (Registered Quantity Surveyor) involved in its proficient cost management and oversight.

We are an established electrical and installation contracting company who specialize in numerous projects and scope of works these include :

Multi storey buildings, shopping complexes, office blocks ,cluster housing schemes, ethanol plants, cement plants, grain silos , mining projects , tobacco threshing lines and fire / smoke detection systems

The project relied heavily on local content, with key materials sourced within Zimbabwe. The concrete was supplied by Scribante, the bricks by Tiger Bricks, and the cement by Diamond Cement.

Local subcontractors were central to the operation, handling specialized works such as the steel structure (Pat Dunn and Brown Engineering), electricity (L. Electron), and bulk earthworks (R Davis).

This extensive local procurement and employment aligns with the core goal of the investment: to stimulate economic activity across the entire Zimbabwean industrial ecosystem.

The commissioning of the CRP plant is a definitive marker of Zimbabwe’s progress toward an industrialized, value-adding economy. It is a symbol of technical prowess, massive scale, and a focused national ambition to compete at the very top of the global tobacco sector.

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RADX CONSTRUCTION: THE FOUNDATION OF ZIMBABWE’S NEW TOBACCO PROCESSING GIANT

The official opening of the US$120 million Cut Rag Processors (CRP) plant in Willowvale, Harare, by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa on November 19, 2025, marked a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s industrial resurgence.

While the focus is often on the state-of-the-art machinery and the facility’s role in enhancing value addition and positioning Zimbabwe to increase exports of high-value finished tobacco products, the physical integrity and world-class structure housing this massive operation is a story of local construction expertise and advanced building technology. At the heart of this foundational work was RADX Construction, the company responsible for the complex brickwork and related civil engineering components of the mammoth project.

Blending scale with precision

The new CRP facility, located on Green Trees Road, is one of Zimbabwe’s most eminent structural developments, blending modern industrial architecture with absolute operational efficiency. The structure is characterized by a large, modern exterior of white and dark grey industrial cladding, showcasing a high-tech facility.

The design’s primary objective was to facilitate the linear, highly technical process of converting raw tobacco into blended cut rag, ready for cigarette manufacturing. The internal layout features multiple lines of heavy-duty processing equipment stretching into the background, requiring vast, high-bay spaces.

The main factory bays, some reaching heights of about 16 meters, necessitated advanced structural engineering, including two sets of ring beams for stability. The impressive structure boasts a modern design, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.

RADX’s phase-by-phase delivery

RADX Construction executed the project in distinct phases, beginning in October 2022, facing challenges like the rainy season and material imports, but ultimately completing the work and handing over the facility a year prior to the official opening. The technical process, critical for supporting the massive investment in heavy processing equipment, was methodical.

Due to the specific ground conditions at the site, the project began with an extensive piling process to ensure long-term stability. This was followed by the construction of ground beams and comprehensive foundation works as part of the substructure. Once the foundation was secure, the superstructure phase commenced, with concrete columns being raised and the building constructed up to the roof level. Between these columns, RADX worked on the structural walls.

Measurements and scale:

The sheer scale of the CRP plant underscores its importance as Africa’s largest tobacco processing operation.

The facility is located in Lochinvar, Harare. The dimensions provided by RADX paint a picture of a colossal industrial complex:

• Total Land Area: The size of the land is about 6 hectares.

• Built Area (Under Roof): The total floor space built by the contractors spans 40,000 square meters (4 hectares) under roof, running from phase one up to phase four, excluding parking areas and the driveway.

• Parking and Driveways: The supporting infrastructure includes a parking area. RADX also did the driveways and parking areas.

Technology and innovation

To match the high-tech nature of the client’s plant machinery (which was imported from Brazil and Italy), RADX embraced modern construction technologies.

The company deployed advanced methods, particularly for the vast internal floor slabs, which needed to be perfectly level and incredibly durable.

RADX is now using self-levelling technology for the slabs. This involves setting GPS levels so the selflevelling machine can level the concrete 100%.

Furthermore, for floor finishing, the company moved away from manual “hand-driven” power floaters and adopted drive-on polishing machines.

This drive-on technology significantly boosted efficiency and reduced the required labour for floor work by approximately 75%.

Logistics and personnel

The execution of this massive project required the seamless coordination of extensive local expertise and resources.

At the peak of construction, the workforce reached 560 people, including the team from the main contractor, RADX, alongside numerous specialized subcontractors.

To ensure the structural integrity and quality of the build, major materials were sourced from top-tier local suppliers: Tiger Bricks provided the masonry units, Diamond Cement supplied the cement, and Scribante served as the primary concrete provider, while the specialized pavers were sourced from Homestyle.

Managing this diverse array of contributors, RADX oversaw several key subcontractors to bring the various phases to life. L. Electron was responsible for the electrical installations, while Pat Dun handled the steel structure and sheeting for the first two phases. Brown Engineering then took over to deliver the steel structure and sheeting for phases three and four, and R Davis managed the bulk earthworks, driveways, and parking bay construction.

The CRP plant is a fusion of international machinery and local construction prowess. RADX Construction delivered a technically sophisticated, large-scale, and modern industrial structure that forms the bedrock of Zimbabwe’s latest push for value addition in the crucial tobacco sector.

The completion of the CBZ Bank complex at Stand Number 106 McChlery Avenue, Eastlea, overseen by CBZ Properties as Project and Property Manager, signals more than just a fresh corporate address. It represents a new benchmark for corporate resilience and sustainability in the Zimbabwean commercial property market.

Designed by Metamorphosis AIDPM, the project redefined a previously underutilized space into a contemporary, multi-story office block characterized by sharp lines and a uniform aesthetic. The exterior features a contrast between light-grey composite cladding panels and expansive, dark-tinted window glass. This sleek façade, expertly executed by Postcorp Glass & Aluminium—who leveraged their 12 years of vast experience in the glazing industry to realize the client’s precise specifications—is immediately recognizable and enhances the building’s contemporary identity.

The integrated solar system

While the visual impact is immediate, the true innovation lies in the building’s infrastructure, particularly its robust, roof-mounted solar provision. Addressing the critical need for operational resilience, this comprehensive solar system guarantees resilient, low-carbon backup power. It ensures that businesses housed within the complex can maintain seamless operations, independent of grid fluctuations, significantly reducing long-term operational costs and risk.

This focus on energy independence is central to the building’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, embedding sustainability at the core of the structure. Coupled with a prolific borehole augmenting municipal supply, the complex tackles both power and water security simultaneously. This proactive infrastructure planning is a crucial value-add for potential tenants and demonstrates CBZ’s commitment to long-term asset value and responsible development. The solar installation is not merely a backup measure; it is an economic and environmental commitment that fundamentally modernizes the tenancy experience.

The modern elevator

In a contemporary multi-story commercial building, vertical circulation is as vital as the floor plan itself. The complex features a highspeed, modern elevator system, essential for ensuring efficient and equitable access across all floors. The installation of this elevator moves beyond basic compliance, recognizing the necessity for effortless mobility for tenants, clients, and visitors.

The lift is integrated into the building’s circulation core, ensuring that the elegant, flexible open-plan offices—finished with durable porcelain tiles and complemented by communal amenities like bright kitchenettes and sleek, fully-tiled public restrooms—are easily reached. Its presence is vital for the building’s functionality, catering to accessibility requirements and enhancing the flow of daily business. The elevator system offers swift, reliable access, and supports the high-end, functional interior design ethos, which includes clean lines, suspended ceilings, and carefully managed lighting.

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The project is a powerful architectural dialogue between permanence and reinvention. The precision of the external finishes, from the sharp cornering of the composite cladding to the uniform repetition of the design modules, speaks to an uncompromising standard of quality. As CBZ Properties puts this sought-after property on the market for leasing, the complex stands as a symbol of the ongoing investment in and modernization of Harare’s urban infrastructure, setting a new bar for corporate property development in Eastlea and the capital city.

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Paintings And Antiques Create A Beautiful Home

Text by Michael Nott

| Photos by Caast media

A three bedroomed town house in Chisipite conceals a luxurious and elegant interior. The owner had an art gallery in Harare for forty years so the walls are adorned with an exquisite collection of original paintings and the furniture has been carefully curated to complement and enhance the design.

Each piece of furniture has story a relating to its history and provenance. At the front entrance is a great grandfather clock. It no longer chimes as the noise every hour was too disturbing during the night – the owner is a light sleeper. Next to it sits an antique wooden bench which the family inherited in 1947 so it’s been part of the family for many years. It has carved lions heads with open mouths.

When they were little the kids used to put their fingers in to the lions’ mouths to see if they would get bitten. The arms of the bench are very worn suggesting many years of use. It came into the family when they set up their dentists practice many years ago. It’s dressed with a rug from Turkey.

Opposite the bench is an elegant dark mahogany bookcase. There’s a small hexagonal hall table on turned legs and the original castors standing on a Persian rug. It holds a heavy glass bowl filled with stone eggs. A Victorian mirror with an elaborate carved frame hangs on the wall. There’s an antique formal chair in plush green upholstery next to the bookcase. The entrance hall is lit by a pyramid shaped glass skylight that reflects the light during the day and the moon and stars at night.

Moving further into the house is a round mahogany table with a collection of sparkling crystal decanters on a silver tray. The table was bought on a trip to Australia and shipped back to Harare via Qantas Airlines. Next to it is a beautiful carved kist sourced from travels to Dar es Salaam.

Above the kist is a painting of a baobab tree by local artist Gareth Hook. The formal lounge has twin sofas in pale salmon coloured plush fabric and two comfortable armchairs in blue, brown and cream fabric. A small side table has folding leafs to make a triangular shape. Two formal upright chairs flank the fireplace. The lounge is gently lit by wall sconces and table lamps made by the well-known artist Joyce Birch.

To the right is the formal dining room with the teak table and 10 chairs commissioned from Nigel Joscelyn. A large wooden Buddha statue was commissioned on a visit to Cambodia. The statue stands on a dresser bought from local furniture dealers Creamwick. An original painting by local artist Crispen Mutsadyanga adorns the walls. There’s a blue tinted wrought iron chandelier above the table.

The lounge and dining room lead out through glass doors to the verandah and the garden and swimming pool. The verandah has a comfortable seating area to one side with sofas and directors’ chairs. The other side has a more formal dining area for eight, ideal for al fresco entertaining. The garden has beautifully manicured lawns and flower beds but in a casual, no fuss way.

Beyond the dining room is the kitchen, designed and fitted by Square Kitchens. It’s very sleek and uncluttered. All the coffee making paraphernalia is hidden in a clever coffee station concealed behind closed doors. There’s a gas hob and two wall mounted ovens. One wall of the kitchen is dressed with wallpaper with a predominantly mustard colour.

The wallpaper was installed in the kitchen (and bathrooms) by Guy Anderson from the company called Your Walls. The kitchen is very minimalist and modern but an antique Quaker style chair breaks the severity.

Next to the kitchen is the informal TV lounge which hosts a rather dark Daryl Nero original painting as well as a smaller painting by the renowned architect Anthony Wales Smith. There’s also a landscape painting by the well-known Johan Bonthuys. It’s a relaxed space for chilling out and forgetting the pressures of daily life.

Liz Howes from Howes and Homes has refurbished the guest bathroom and the guest toilet. In the guest bathroom a new free standing oval bath was installed together with a new luxurious walk in shower with a glass partition wall.

The toilet was previously directly in line with the door so it’s been moved to the left side and now has a concealed cistern The bathroom has been papered with a gentle floral design in shades of peach and white. Liz has installed floating cabinets for the vanity with two drawers below.

A top mounted basin completes the aesthetic with modern taps and fittings to complement the shower fittings. Two amber glass shades provide the lighting and add a q quirky and elegant interest to the space. The light fittings were sourced from Living Space in Arundel.

A circular mirror above the vanity is touch activated to add more to the modern and contemporary feel. During construction part of the exterior wall was removed (and then rebuilt) so that materials didn’t have to be dragged through the main house causing dust and debris.

It’s lit by an arched window. The new bathroom contrasts with the master en suite bathroom which is totally monochromatic with grey wall and floor tiles.

Howes and Homes also refurbished the guest toilet. It’s been papered in a dark botanical print which makes the small, previously dull, space much more vibrant and attractive. Howes and Homes installed a floating oak vanity top and shelf.

The vanity has a top mounted basin with a blue exterior and the toilet has a concealed cistern and a modern flushing system. A circular gold framed mirror hangs above the hand basin making a small bland space much more interesting.

Apart from a big collection of Daryl Nero paintings there are also originals from Gareth Hook, David Chinyama and Crispen Mutsadyanga as well as other well-known artists, and pictures, art works and paintings gathered from around the world. A fairly modest house conceals a wealth of years of curatorship and good taste.

OASIS REALTY OFFERS LUXURIOUS, MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS IN VICTORIA FALLS

Victoria Falls, already cemented as one of the world's premier tourist destinations, is rapidly transforming into a sought-after luxury residential and investment hub, largely driven by large-scale projects like the new mixed-use development precinct presented by Oasis Realty, a real estate company with offices in Borrowdale, Harare.

Positioned strategically within the burgeoning Eagle Heights area, this flagship project offers a dual opportunity for discerning buyers: prime serviced residential stands and a collection of high-end, contemporary apartments. The development is not merely a collection of structures; it represents a comprehensive lifestyle community integrated into the stunning natural environment of Zimbabwe’s leading tourist city.

At the heart of the offering are the Oasis Apartments on the Heights. Perched on the Masuwe Escarpment, these luxury residences boast genuinely unmatched views, looking out over the scenic Masuwe River valley and the lush panorama towards the Victoria Falls National Park. The development comprises 87 luxury apartments, designed with a strong emphasis on comfort, sustainability, and long-term value.

The mix includes studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, all being sold off-plan to cater to both individual homeowners and forward-thinking investors. The architectural vision integrates eco-conscious features, such as biodigesters, solar readiness, and water-saving fittings, ensuring modern living aligns with environmental responsibility.

The location of Oasis on the Heights is particularly compelling. It is situated just three kilometres from the Victoria Falls Central Business District, yet remains a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty.

Critically, it is strategically located adjacent to the new world-class cricket grounds and close to the newly established Special Economic Zone (SEZ), ensuring exceptional potential for capital appreciation as the region continues its rapid development trajectory.

Complementing the apartment offering, Oasis Realty is also marketing a limited selection of 40 fully serviced residential villa stands within the same exclusive precinct, known as Masuwe Villas. These stands, which vary in size, come with a selection of curated architectural plans for luxury, double-storey villa homes.

Designed by renowned Zimbabwean architects, these villas are intended to blend sophisticated, modern design with privacy and harmony, perfectly complementing the natural landscape. The villa stands are serviced with all necessary modern infrastructure, including paved roads, water, sewer, and stormwater drainage, allowing homeowners to build their dream primary home, vacation escape, or retirement haven in one of Africa’s most desirable locations.

The entire development benefits from its integration into a dynamic, masterplanned community. Future amenities designed to enhance the lifestyle and investment appeal include a 111-key Novotel Hotel, a 36-bed private hospital to be run by a regional health services provider, a modern convenience retail centre, and a fuel station. This ecosystem ensures that residents have access to hospitality, health, and retail services right on their doorstep, transforming the precinct into a self-sufficient, premium destination.

For investors, the opportunity is significant. Victoria Falls has long enjoyed premier travel destination status, translating into strong potential for both short-term and long-term rental income, particularly through branded residence concepts and other platforms. The projected attractive rental yield underscores the development's appeal as a solid investment in one of Zimbabwe's fastest-developing tourism and investment hubs.

Whether seeking a custom-built villa, a lock-up-and-go apartment, or a strategic capital growth investment in the City of the World’s Seventh Natural Wonder, Oasis Realty's Victoria Falls development offers a rare chance to own a piece of prime real estate in a market poised for exponential growth.

THE FUTURE OF WATER TRANSFER: WHY GRP PIPES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE

The global demand for resilient and efficient water infrastructure has positioned Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) pipes as the material of choice for large-scale water transfer projects worldwide. GRP pipes, which are composite materials made from a polymer matrix reinforced with glass fibres, offer a potent combination of advantages over traditional materials like steel and concrete, leading to significantly lower life-cycle costs and enhanced long-term performance.

A key benefit of GRP is its unparalleled resistance to corrosion. Unlike metallic pipes which are prone to rust and scaling, GRP is inherently non-corrosive, even in aggressive environments like marine settings or acidic soils. This feature is critical for potable water systems, ensuring water quality is maintained, and is a major factor in the material’s extended lifespan, which can range from 50 to over 100 years. This superior durability dramatically minimizes the need for maintenance, repairs, and premature replacement, offering significant long-term economic advantages.

Beyond longevity, GRP pipes deliver superior hydraulic efficiency. The smooth, resin-rich internal surface of the pipe reduces friction loss compared to materials like cast iron or cement-mortar lined steel. This smooth bore maximizes flow rates and, crucially, can result in energy savings of 10-20% on pumping costs over the system's operational life. This improved performance contributes directly to the sustainability goals of large water management projects. Another defining advantage is the material's lightweight nature. GRP pipes typically weigh only about 35% of comparable steel pipes and 10% of concrete pipes.

This lightweight construction dramatically simplifies logistics and installation. Crews can handle and transport longer pipe sections with less heavy equipment, speeding up construction time by as much as 30% and lowering overall labour costs, making GRP ideal for remote or challenging terrain.

Furthermore, GRP is highly versatile, available in large diameters (up to 4000 mm and more) and customizable pressure and stiffness classes, making it suitable for buried, above-ground, and high-pressure applications in vital infrastructure sectors, from desalination plants in the Middle East to major irrigation networks in agriculture.

The long-term economic and technical advantages offered by GRP—including low maintenance, high chemical resistance, and efficient flow properties—position it as a responsible and sustainable solution for managing the world’s increasing water demands.

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.

HISTORIC GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW ZIMRA HEAD OFFICE

The race for prominent parastatal head office space in Harare’s northern corridor took a historic step forward in December, as the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officially broke ground for its new Head Office, north of Harare. The ceremony, announced by the ZIMRA Commissioner General, signifies a massive investment not just in real estate, but in the institutional integrity and long-term operational effectiveness of the country’s primary revenue collection body.

The new structure is being built to stand as a “symbol of institutional independence, integrity and long-term stability,” according to the Commissioner General. This is a critical statement for a key public institution whose efficiency and ethical standing are central to the nation's fiscal health and economic recovery. ZIMRA is investing in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility, with the aim to solidify its professional environment and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to good governance.

The investment is expected to significantly enhance ZIMRA's operational agility. A consolidated, modern headquarters will facilitate better coordination between departments, streamline communication, and allow for the integration of modern technological solutions required for a complex body handling billions in national revenue. Improved infrastructure is directly linked to enhanced efficiency in customs and tax administration, benefiting businesses and individual taxpayers alike.

Furthermore, the project is set to reshape Harare’s future landscape. As the city’s northern suburbs continue to develop into a premier commercial hub, ZIMRA’s new Head Office will be a flagship development, contributing to the modernization and decentralization of official administrative centres away from the often congested central business district. The strategic location supports the ongoing trend of major corporate and parastatal entities establishing modern facilities in this area.

The timing of the groundbreaking, announced in December, positions the move as a major stride in Zimbabwe's broader infrastructure development drive. The new Head Office is more than just bricks and mortar; it represents the government's confidence in ZIMRA’s future and its role as a stable cornerstone of the economy.

The investment is anticipated to foster an environment conducive to higher productivity and better service delivery for all stakeholders who interact with the revenue authority. The development signals that ZIMRA is preparing for decades of stability and expanded operational demands in support of Zimbabwe's growth trajectory.

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