Construction and Property Corner ::: 19 July 2023

Wed Jul 19 12:16:54 CAT 2023

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Construction and Property  Corner ::: 19 July 2023 

 <https://www.hyundai.co.zw/> 

ü  Real estate conference set for Bulawayo 

ü  Kunzvi Dam Now 36 Percent Complete - ZINWA

ü  Hakwata Village pioneers single largest biogas undertaking in Zimbabwe

ü  New $153 Million International Terminal Opened At Harare Airport

ü  Bikita Minerals Completes Dual Lithium Processing Plant in Zimbabwe

ü  Simbisa targets 48 new outlets by June next year

ü  AfDB engages Zida to fundraise for projects 

ü  UK relaxes visa rules to attract foreign construction workers

ü  CIOB welcomes addition of construction roles to shortage occupation list

ü  Federal Govt Approves Lafarge Africa Cement For Road Construction

ü  Canadian developers slow to adopt construction technology: KPMG survey

ü  14Trees launches first 3D printer for construction made in Africa

ü  EU allocates Tunisia 40 million euros for construction of 80 modern
primary schools

Real estate conference set for Bulawayo   

THE Real Estate Investment Association of Zimbabwe together with the
Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) will host a two-day Real Estate Investment
Trusts (REITs) Conference in Bulawayo starting tomorrow where investment
strategies, risk management, legal frameworks, and technological
advancements in the sector are expected to top the discussions.

The joint initiative aims to bring together industry professionals,
stakeholders and investors fostering discussions on the current real estate
landscape and exploring investment opportunities.

A REIT is a regulated investment vehicle under the Collective Investment
Scheme Act that enables the issuer to pool investors’ funds for the purpose
of investing in real estate.

The two-day event to be held at a local hotel will see delegates having
access to informative presentations, panel discussions, and networking
opportunities.

The lined-up key speakers include ZSE chief executive officer Mr Justin
Bgoni, Insurance and Pensions Commission (Ipec) Commissioner Dr Grace
Muradzikwa, Regional Real Estate manager, Mr Kura Chihota, and Zimbabwe
Association of Pension Funds (ZAPF) director general Ms Sandra Musevenzo.

Also included among speakers is Integrated Properties chief executive
officer, Dr Mike Juru, Old Mutual Investment Group Zimbabwe head of Equity
Investments Mr Chengetai Zvobgo, and National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ)
Contributory Pension Fund principal officer Ms Patience Dhliwayo, among
others.-chronicles

 <https://www.willdale.co.zw/> Kunzvi Dam Now 36 Percent Complete - ZINWA

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) says the construction of
Kunzvi Dam in Mashonaland East Province is now 36 percent complete.

The dam is being built by a Chinese company 67 kilometres northeast of
Harare, near Juru Growth Point on the Nyanguvi River, which separates
Goromonzi and Murehwa districts.

When completed, the dam is expected to solve Harare’s perennial water
shortages.

Speaking to New Ziana, ZINWA corporate communications and marketing manager
Marjorie Munyonga, said:

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) wishes to advise the public
and stakeholders that the construction of Kunzvi Dam, in Mashonaland East
remains on course with the dam now 36 percent complete.

Current work at the site includes excavation of the core trench, grouting on
the core trench invert, backfill on the core trench, placing fill material
on the fill zone and construction of a masonry downstream access bridge.

Other works include the placement of riprap on the upstream slope, the
placing of coarse filter on the upstream slope, outlet trench excavation and
construction of remaining houses at the ZINWA senior camp.

Construction of the dam was first mooted in 1912. It has been shelved over
the years due to financial challenges and only began in 2021. It is expected
to be completed at the end of 2024.

Harare’s main source of water, Lake Chivero, is heavily polluted by sewerage
water and effluent from industries.

Due to the complete breakdown of the reticulation system, raw sewerage from
residential areas and effluent from industries flows directly into Lake
Chivero.

This has forced the Harare City Council to spend about US$3 million every
month to buy more than 11 chemicals that it uses to treat the water.

Kunzvi Dam is expected to provide Harare with “clean” water, less costly
than Lake Chivero.

More: Pindula News

Hakwata Village pioneers single largest biogas undertaking in Zimbabwe

At least 150 households in Chipinge, Masvingo and Insiza are expected to
benefit from the Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP) which
will see bio digesters being installed at their homesteads as part of
efforts to bring clean cooking energy to rural areas.

This is the largest initiative of biogas in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa and
has since commenced in Hakwata Village in Chipinge.

The project will benefit 90 households in Hakwata, 30 in Gororo, Masvingo
district, and 30 in Wanezi, Insiza.

In a statement, the UNDP said the initiative will go a long way in ensuring
that those furthest from essential services are not left in the dark.

“Construction of the initial set of digesters in Hakwata is already
underway, with completion expected by September 2023.

“When finalised, the project is expected to bring transformation to the
lives of the largely elderly population in Hakwata,” said the UNDP.

UNDP said under the initiative, clean cooking energy will replace the
arduous task of gathering firewood and providing a safer and more
sustainable alternative.

“In addition to the numerous environmental benefits, the project will also
empower 40 local builders, equipping them with the skillset required to
construct and maintain biogas digesters,” read statement.

The first beneficiary of the initiative, Ms Maris Magotorima, said the
project will improve her life.

“If this biogas works as they told us, then it will save my aged, aching
legs from fetching firewood from those hills,” she said.

Biogas, a renewable source of cooking energy produced through the breakdown
of animal and food waste, holds tremendous potential for Southern Africa.

The Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP), is an example of
collaboration and innovation.

The programme is aimed at addressing both immediate water and energy needs
for long-term climate adaptation and a brighter, more sustainable future for
communities most left behind.

CAWEP is implemented in four districts by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), with funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth &
Development Office (FCDO).

The biogas installations receive technical guidance from the Rural
Electrification Fund (REF).

-herald

New $153 Million International Terminal Opened At Harare Airport

The Republic of Zimbabwe is gearing up for increased air transport activity
with the expansion of its main hub. After nearly five years of construction
work, the Zimbabwean government has officially opened the new international
terminal at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE).

The $153 million expansion project was commissioned by the head of state,
President Emerson Mnangagwa, on July 14, in the presence of other government
officials, aviation stakeholders, and various media partners. The project is
expected significantly increase the hub's handling capacity, highlighting
the nation's commitment to boosting tourism.

Enhanced capacity for international visitors

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International is one of Southern Africa's main
gateways, connecting regional hubs like Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) and
Lusaka Kenneth Kaunda (LUN). Aviation is critical in supporting tourism and
international investments; hence, the state has invested in developing its
central hub.

The new international terminal will handle at least 6.5 million passengers
per year, an outstanding increase from the 2.5 million handling capacity of
the previous terminal. The terminal was constructed by China Jiangsu
Construction Group Corporation, who handed it over to the Airports Company
of Zimbabwe (ACZ).

Harare RGM new international terminal

Photo: ACZ

The project commenced in 2018 and was scheduled to be completed in 2021.
However, due to pandemic-induced restrictions, construction work was
suspended, and the entire project was delayed by two years. Work will also
be done to refurbish the existing terminals to meet international standards.

Discover more aviation news about the passenger experience here.

New facilities

RGM airport has been tweaked with both international arrival and departure
sections to serve as one all-inclusive terminal. The departure wing takes up
a larger space in the terminal, while the remaining space is occupied by the
arrival and passenger processing area. ACZ CEO Tawanda Gusha said to ZBC
News;

"It's effectively one big terminal building. We're going to link the new
wings with the existing terminal to allow for increased stats for both
departures and arrivals. Passengers will be using the entire terminal
building once the refurbishment of the infrastructure is complete."

The two terminals include new facilities, like self-check-in kiosks, Flight
Information Display Systems (FIDS), prayer rooms, smoking areas,
restaurants, duty-free shops, and a quarantine center. Some fast-food
outlets have also set up shop at the airport to offer passengers more meal
options.

Additionally, ten boarding gates have been added to bring the number up to
16, while jet bridges have been increased from three to seven. Zimbabwe
already has some of the world's most popular tourist attractions, like
Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba, and Victoria Falls, so passengers flying
into the capital will land at an upgraded facility before traveling to their
respective destinations.

Enhanced frequencies

With one of Africa's longest runways, HRE is geographically positioned to
serve several airports in the SADC region conveniently. Although the country
suffers from countless infrastructural challenges, expanding the terminals
greatly benefits airlines operating at the airport. Fastjet Group CCO Julian
Edmunds said to Simple Flying;

"The Airports Company of Zimbabwe are great partners of ours, and we are
really excited about the new airport in Harare. A lot of people will ask why
it is needed, but it is definitely needed. The number of frequencies out of
Harare has grown dramatically, and I definitely think a better facility is
going to work well."

Last week, Fastjet came forward to congratulate ACZ and the Ministry of
Transport and Infrastructural Development on the commissioning of the new
terminal building. The carrier expects its customers to enjoy a heightened
level of service. Fastjet Spokesperson Nunurai Ndawana said;

"As we move into the new terminal, our customers can expect an enhanced and
effortless customer experience made possible by this new facility. We are
pleased to further expand our presence in the terminal with a new sales shop
and boarding gates."

New routes to Harare

The national carrier Air Zimbabwe also extended its congratulations to ACZ
and the stakeholders involved, as it looks forward to continuing its
operations at the airport. In addition to the domestic carriers, Airlink,
Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways also operate regional and
international flights to Harare.

RGM airport continues to welcome new airlines. In March 2023, Zambia Airways
resumed flights to Harare after 27 years as it re-entered the regional
market. In April 2023, Eswatini Air launched flights to Harare, its third
regional destination, after commencing operations a month earlier. Zimbabwe
hopes to continue adding routes to its network with the terminal
expansion.-simpleflying

Bikita Minerals Completes Dual Lithium Processing Plant in Zimbabwe

Chinese mining conglomerate Sinomine Resource Group has completed the
construction of a dual lithium processing plant at the group’s
10.8-million-ton Bikita mine in Zimbabwe. Commissioned in January 2022
following the Chinese group’s acquisition of the mine in a $180 million
transaction, the plant will produce up to 300,000 metric tons of spodumene
concentrate and 480,000 tons of petalite per year. The processing facility
comprises a Gravity Separation Plant and a Flotation plant, enabling the
mine to start processing spodumene while increasing the production of
petalite from the current 50,000 tons per year.

Its completion follows a $200 million investment made by Sinomine in 2022 to
expand operations at the mine while developing new production lines.

“The new Gravity separation plant (petalite) with an annual capacity of two
million tons (petalite concentrate) was initiated by the company through its
own funds and raised capital, with construction work starting in 2022 based
on the existing beneficiation of the plant at the Bikita mine. The newly
constructed Floatation plant (spodumene) also comes with an annual capacity
of two million tons (spodumene concentrate),” stated a press release by
Bikita Minerals.

The milestone represents part of efforts by the country to consolidate its
position as a regional lithium hub and by China to develop new mineral
supply chains in Africa.-energycapitalpower

Simbisa targets 48 new outlets by June next year

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) group — Simbisa Brands Limited is set to
open 48 new outlets by June 2024 in Zimbabwe as it maintains its growth
trajectory and consolidate its market share in Zimbabwe and the region.

The entity which already boasts of 292 restaurants countrywide is also set
to open a branch in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, with the company’s management
having already identified possible locations for the fast-food outlets.

This was revealed by Simbisa Brands Managing Director Mr Warren Meares
during the official opening of the renovated Nando’s restaurant in Bulawayo
Central Business District yesterday.

“As we continue to grow in Zimbabwe, Simbisa operates more than 13 brands
and 292 restaurants across the country.

“We have another 220 in Kenya and we are also in Zambia, Ghana, Mauritius
and we will be going towards a thousand restaurants in a year-and-a-half.

“Zimbabwe is our biggest market and we hope to open another 48 restaurants
by June next year.

“Here in Bulawayo we are also looking at expanding to Cowdray Park.

“We have visited the suburb several times with my operations team. We are
looking at the area near TM Pick n Pay as well as Trek service station which
is under construction,” said Mr Meares.

Meanwhile, yesterday the company reopened its Bulawayo Jason Moyo Nando’s
branch which saw the company pouring in US$510 000 towards its renovation.

“This branch used to have 102 seats but now has 132 seats and this revamp
cost about US$510 000. It’s over 25 years ago that we brought Nando’s into
Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is the second country that got Nando’s.

“As we speak now it has spread to United States of America, United Kingdom,
Australia, Malaysia and Botswana.

“We have got 15 outlets so far in Zimbabwe and we will be building the third
drive-through in Bulawayo.

“We have opened two Nando’s drive-throughs in Harare so far and they are
amazing. We will be opening the Bulawayo drive through in the next six
months. This will be at the Bradfield Shopping Centre next to KFC,” said Mr
Meares.

He said besides that, they will be opening another six outlets under the
Nando’s brand which he described as a very key branch under their stable.

The official opening was graced by various stakeholders in the city who were
treated to some of the newly introduced cuisines at the renovated branch. –
Sunday News

AfDB engages Zida to fundraise for projects   

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has engaged Zimbabwe Investment and
Development Agency (Zida) to fundraise for several projects at the Africa
Investment Forum with a net worth not exceeding US$30 million.

The projects sought should qualify for implementation under the
public-private partnerships (PPPs), be aligned with national priorities,
reach an advanced stage of bankability and should be financially and
economically viable projects.

Added to that the projects should support and promote regional integration
and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and be foreign
currency-generating capacity projects.

The Africa Investment Forum is Africa’s investment marketplace, championed
by the AfDB and its partners to accelerate the closure of the continent’s
investment gaps. It operates as a multi-stakeholder, multi-disciplinary
platform dedicated to advancing projects to bankable stages, raising capital
and accelerating the financial closure of deals.

Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency

In its second-quarter report, Zida said it has engaged various Government
agencies and is shortlisting projects for submission to the AfDB.

“During the period under review, the agency was engaged by the African
Development Bank (AfDB) to solicit potential projects that are developed or
are at an advanced stage of bankability.

“AfDB intends to fundraise for these projects at the Africa Investment
Forum. The platforms allow investors to interrogate projects shortlisted to
ensure they match investment expectations,” reads part of the report.

AfDB is a regional multilateral development finance institution established
to contribute to the economic development and social progress of African
countries that are the institution’s Regional Member Countries (RMCs).

The AfDB comprises three entities, the African Development Bank (ADB), the
African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF).

As the premier development finance institution on the continent, the AfDB’s
mission is to help reduce poverty, improve living conditions for Africans
and mobilise resources for the continent’s economic and social development.

AfDB is leading the country’s debt clearance strategy, which is key for
Harare to unlock fresh funding from international financial institutions
(IFIs).  Zimbabwe has been making token payments to all the foreign
financiers it owes, among them the Paris Club, which has 17 members, the
World Bank and the AfDB.

Based on the report, in the period under review, several public-private PPPs
with a combined value of more than US$186 million were approved.

Among the notable projects include the construction of the 120 km
Bulawayo-Old Gwanda Road at a cost of US$150 million by a private
contractor-Zwane Enterprises. The project is being implemented under the
Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement.

Another project includes a US$22,9 million Zimbabwe Mining Development
Corporation (ZMDC) and Afrochine Smelting Ltd partnership to resume copper
mining at Sanyati Mine.

ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) submitted a proposal for a
partnership with the Government for the development, financing and
management of agro industrial zones at designated locations in Zimbabwe.

ARISE IIP is exploring potential partnerships with some of the publicly
owned SEZs such as Sunway City, Fernhill, Beitbridge and Umvumela through
the Agency’s facilitation.

In pursuance of Vision 2030, the Government has created a vehicle through an
Act of Parliament to enhance economic recovery via domestic and Foreign
Direct Investment (FDIs).

Zida offers incentives to investors and undertakes all that makes Zimbabwe a
safe investment destination.

It co-ordinates investment projects by taking advantage of existing national
synergies. The agency provides a one-stop shop investment centre that
facilitates, licences and operationalise investments.

The establishment of Zida is one of the success stories of the New
Dispensation’s economic reforms aimed at rejuvenating the productive sector
and creating more jobs. The grand plan is to realise an upper middle-income
economy by 2030.-chronicle

UK relaxes visa rules to attract foreign construction workers

(Reuters) - Britain has added a number of construction roles to its
"shortage occupation list", allowing the building industry to bring in staff
from abroad more easily to help employers struggling to fill positions.

Bricklayers, masons, roofers, roof tilers, slaters, carpenters, joiners and
plasterers will benefit from cheaper visas and more relaxed employment
criteria under the changes.

Britain is suffering from acute labour shortages in some sectors meaning
employers are keen to recruit workers from abroad.

But, doing so causes a political headache for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's
governing Conservative Party, which has been promising to cut net migration
for the last decade.

The interior ministry said in a statement on Monday that adding the new
roles would "aid the delivery of key national infrastructure and stimulate
growth for related industries"

The independent Migration Advisory Committee recommended in March that the
construction jobs be added to the shortage occupation list. The list already
includes care workers, civil engineers and laboratory technicians, plus
healthcare roles.

Net migration to Britain reached a record high of 606,000 last year, data
published in May showed, drawing fresh promises from Sunak to reduce
arrivals.

Critics of Brexit say the UK's exit from the European Union has exacerbated
labour shortages as EU citizens can no longer travel without visas to work
in Britain as they could before.

Those working in a shortage occupation can be paid 80% of the job's usual
rate and still qualify for a visa, the government statement said. Applicants
need a job offer from an employer and must meet an English language
requirement.

-The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

CIOB welcomes addition of construction roles to shortage occupation list

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has welcomed the government’s
decision to add a number of construction roles to the shortage occupation
list.

The shortage occupation list includes jobs considered to be in short in
supply within the UK resident labour market. As such, the government offers
more relaxed eligibility criteria for sponsored work visa applications for
these roles.

In March 2023, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published its review
of labour shortages in the construction sector. This resulted in a set of
recommendations that were accepted by the Home Office.

How can the construction sector access overseas talent?

New immigration rules can be positive for construction

Skills gap worsened by low awareness of migration rules, report shows 

Following the MAC’s recommendations, and to make sponsoring skilled workers
easier for construction companies, the following roles have been added to
the Home Office’s official shortage occupation list:

CIOB’s policy, research and external affairs director, Eddie Tuttle, said:
“We very much welcome this announcement which in our view is long overdue.
The addition of these roles to the shortage occupation list is something we
have called for through the Construction Leadership Council. We’re glad the
industry’s voice has been heard as the construction sector directly plays a
vital role in the UK economy and is an enabler to so many others.

“While we acknowledge our industry needs to work harder to attract workers
from here in the UK, there is an immediate skills shortage which must be
addressed. Without a good supply of skilled workers from abroad, as well as
homegrown talent, projects large and small including the likes of schools,
hospitals, new homes and key infrastructure, simply won’t happen.”-conman

Federal Govt Approves Lafarge Africa Cement For Road Construction

Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has approved the use of one of Lafarge
Africa Plc, road cement brand – Roadcem for road construction.

The product is said to be environmentally friendly, while it increases the
strength and load-bearing capacity of the highways, reduces the thickness of
the pavement structure and modifies the chemical and mineral structure of
soil materials.

In Nigeria, there is high variability in the quality of soil that is
available across the country. The use of traditional methods of excavating,
placing and compacting soil makes it challenging to achieve uniform quality.

According to the firm, the product has proven to be effective on several
projects and ensures sub-base/base improvement, fewer breakdowns of the
road, long-term durability and cost savings.

It stated that “Lafarge’s RoadCem is produced by inter-grinding cement
clinker with a controlled amount of limestone and chemical additives.
Roadcem provides better volume stability by controlling swell and shrinkage,
and providing better durability, while allowing the stabilised layer to
achieve long-term strength.”

The director of Highways, Materials, Geotechnics and Quality Control,
Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr Osita Ezedozie, said following
the improved performance observed from the tests, pilot study and evaluation
of Roadcem over ordinary Portland Cement in soil (sharp sand) stabilisation,
approval has been granted for the introduction and use of Roadcem for
stabilisation of soil (sharp sand) in highway pavement sub-base course
construction.

“At 5.0 pe cent Roadcem content, the stabilised sharp sand complies with all
the specification requirements for a sub-base course and also achieves
higher stability at a lower cost than stabilisation with ordinary Portland
cement,” Ezedozie said.-leadership

Canadian developers slow to adopt construction technology: KPMG survey

As Canada’s construction sector faces a shortage of skilled workers and
tradespeople, some insiders predict that digital technology will fill the
gap – but a new report shows that worksites have been slow to adapt.

A survey of 275 companies by KPMG Canada found that while Canadian property
developers are keen on new digital construction technology, known as
con-tech, many are not making it an investment priority.

“Nearly nine in 10 construction companies say that 
 digital technology can
help make their labour force more effective,” says the June, 2023, report.
“Yet Canada’s construction industry, which spans residential and commercial
real estate, industrial, institutional, civil and infrastructure, has been
slow to adopt new digital technologies.”

The exceptions can be dramatic. For example, one Canadian project that
stands out for its use of con-tech is Canada Post’s new $470-million Albert
Jackson Processing Centre in east Toronto.

“The biggest challenge to adoption is adaptation. Technology is changing so
fast that the industry has to play a constant game of catch-up.

— Benjamin Shinewald, president and chief executive officer of BOMA Canada

The designers and developers created a digital “twin” replica to solve
construction issues and update plans – a process called building information
modeling (BIM).

“BIM was critical to the project’s success,” says Peter Armstrong,
vice-president of the project leaders’ Southern Ontario team for Colliers
Canada.

Another noteworthy deployment of con-tech took place in November, 2021, when
Spot the Robo-dog made an appearance at Cadillac Fairview’s 47-storey,
1.2-million-square-foot project at 160 Front. St. W in Toronto.

Spot was put to work at the site by PCL Construction Company and Pomerleau
Construction. The companies equipped the techno-pooch with 360-degree
cameras, a laser scanner, and air quality and GPS sensors to feed data into
a smart construction tech platform.

The robot’s digital sniffing helps designers and project managers in
off-site offices to work seamlessly with workers on site. It can also
perform tasks in spaces where it’s too dangerous for workers to go.

“Everybody loves that robot dog,” says Jordan Thomson, a senior manager with
KPMG’s global infrastructure advisory group. “It doesn’t mean humans are
going to be replaced. Spending $100,000 on a robot dog can free up an
engineer to do other value-added work.” (Spot sells for a reported
US$74,500.)

Notably, while Spot may be the way of the future, the 160 Front St. W.
project used human ironworkers to put a giant steel dome on the roof in
early April, 2023.

Much of the technology on the massive site, which spans the equivalent of
six Canadian Football League fields, focuses on reducing the building’s
environmental footprint, for example, by covering 60 per cent of its roof
with solar panels.

Tom Rothfischer, audit partner and national industry leader of building,
construction and real estate at KPMG Canada, says the survey reflects the
discrepancy between tentative use of con-tech in Canada and immense interest
in trying it.

“We’re seeing a definite recalibration taking place in the construction
sector,” says Mr. Rothfischer. “While many companies are still just at the
beginning of their digital build, leaders see the power of technology to
reshape the way they work and they plan to invest heavily.”

KPMG found that while 73 per cent of firms it surveyed think the Canadian
construction industry lags behind other countries in adopting con-tech, 80
per cent or more are excited about its possibilities and believe that
technology will make them more competitive. Yet only 46 per cent say they
plan to spend more than 11 per cent of their corporate operating budgets on
technology and digital transformation in the near future.

“Canada is lagging behind,” says Mr. Armstrong. “A lot of new technology in
Canada is being used to draw and design projects, often in 3D, but then
extending this tech, for example by using computer-aided fabrication of
materials, is not happening widely here.”

Canadians in the construction sector are relatively slow to invest in
con-tech for several reasons, says Benjamin Shinewald, president and chief
executive officer of BOMA Canada, umbrella group for building owners and
managers.

“The biggest challenge to adoption is adaptation. Technology is changing so
fast that the industry has to play a constant game of catch-up,” he says.

Open this photo in gallery:

The survey found that 80 per cent of the firms that responded are excited
about the possibilities offered by con-tech, yet only 46 per cent say they
plan to spend more than 11 per cent of their corporate operating budgets on
technology and digital transformation.

FRED LUM/THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Another challenge is making sure the con-tech investment brings the right
kind of change, Mr. Shinewald adds.

“Buildings may seem to be incredibly static, but in fact they are
extraordinarily complex, technology-driven ecosystems. Software, hardware
and innovation have an enormous impact on occupant wellness, carbon
emissions, profitability and more,” he says.

An additional challenge is cost, says Mary Van Buren, president of the
Canadian Construction Association. “There is a cost to investing in
digitization that isn’t necessarily shared among all parties in the
procurement process. Margins are slim in construction, especially for small-
and medium-sized contractors, making it increasingly difficult for them to
adopt these types of innovations,” she says.

Mr. Armstrong says Canadians may be slow to bring in more con-tech because
skilled tradespeople in Canada are still relatively affordable, compared
with other countries.

“This may change in Canada as our workforce ages and the technology is
necessary to get the work done,” he says.

“The efficient allocation of trades is one of the industry’s most-pressing
challenges and opportunities,” KPMG’s Mr. Thomson says. Already, 86 per cent
of companies in Canada are finding that shortages of skilled tradespeople
affect their ability to bid on projects and meet deadlines, he says.

There’s hardly any limit to what con-tech might be able to achieve, Mr.
Rothfischer says.

“3D printing technologies have been adapted to lay concrete and build
complex steel shapes. Robots can lay bricks and tie steel reinforcement
bars,” he explains. “Drone-based surveying can help contractors quickly and
accurately lay out work, measure quantities and monitor progress.”

Technology can also make jobs safer for workers, Mr. Armstrong adds. “For
example, there are already tech-laden exoskeletons available that fit onto
workers’ shoulders, to do overhead work rather than keeping their own arms
above their heads for hours,” he says.

“The trick is to integrate these things into construction so that people and
technology work together.”-theglobeandmail

14Trees launches first 3D printer for construction made in Africa

14Trees, a joint venture between Holcim and British International
Investment, has announced the launch of its new construction-ready 3D
printer, Iroko. The 14Trees printer specialises in single to two-storey
residential and commercial applications and it will improve construction
speed, cost, and flexibility – scaling up digital automation to build
resilient and affordable housing, education infrastructure and commercial
real estate worldwide.

The real estate sector is responsible for 40 percent of greenhouse gas
emissions, with the bulk coming from manufacturing raw materials, packaging
and transportation. 14Trees is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of
buildings. This innovative new technology and approach will reduce CO2
emissions compared to standard methods of cement production, contributing to
the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on Industry, Innovation,
and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).

Commenting on the new innovation by 14Trees, François Perrot, Managing
Director, 14Trees said: “As the global infrastructure sector experiences an
industrial revolution, the construction space is under more pressure to
boost performance, work towards a net-zero future, and fulfil the needs of
an evolving real estate and housing sector. Our 14Trees printer is a robust
solution to maintain affordability and deliver on structural performance.
We’re enhancing the sustainability and profitability of 3D printing for
construction – a sector positioned for yield and growth.”

Miljan Gutovic, Region Head for Europe, Holcim commented: “I am excited to
see 14Trees shaping the future of construction. This innovation will help
accelerate 3D construction printing around the world, fully aligned with
Holcim’s mission to decarbonise building at scale.”

Abhinav Sinha, Managing Director and Head of Technology and Telecoms, BII
said: “We are thrilled by the ground-breaking milestone that 14Trees has
achieved to innovate 3D construction methods in Africa. This latest
innovation will help to increase the availability of affordable housing,
which is urgently needed on the continent, and also to decarbonise the
construction sector. This goes to the heart of our mandate which is to
create  productive, sustainable and inclusive outcomes and improve the lives
of people in Africa.”

The 14Trees printer is designed to deliver a competitive commercial solution
for contractors in multiple markets – enabling long-term investment into the
automated construction space and opening up global access to
state-of-the-art construction methods.

Construction 3D printing brings a transformative impact to people’s lives
through the building of critical infrastructure, such as affordable housing
and schools, and forms part of 14Trees’ plan to drive innovation in
construction and further develop 3D printing technology in developing
economies. The 14Trees printer will be delivered in Q4 2023.-bii

EU allocates Tunisia 40 million euros for construction of 80 modern primary
schools

The European Union Investment Bank, EIB, has provided Tunisia with 40
million euros to finance the construction of 80 modern primary schools and
provision of transportation for the future facilities, “Webdo Tunis”
reports.

Samir Saïed, Tunisia’s Minister of Economy and Planning and EIB’s Vice
President Ricardo Mourinho Felix penned the agreement for the financing.

The project aims to improve learning and teaching conditions for 14,500
primary school pupils. Plus the construction, the financing will also enable
the acquisition of school buses and the digitization of schools.

The financing is in line with the EU’s move to support the North African
country’s efforts to combat school dropout, reduce repetition rates and
ensure inclusive and equitable education.

The agreement comes amid ongoing crisis between the Tunisian government and
the union of the primary school teachers. The latter are set to start a
nation-wide protest from July 19 until July 26 to protest against the
sacking of 350 teachers and the freezing of salaries of 17,000 other
teachers.

The teachers were sacked and their salaries frozen after they withheld
student grades to force the state raise their salaries.-northafricapost

Invest Wisely!

Bulls n Bears 

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INVESTORS DIARY 2023

Company

Event

Venue

Date & Time

CBZ

AGM

Virtual

July 21 2023 | 4pm

POSB

AGM

Chapman Golf Club

July 25 2023 |10am

Afdis

AGM

Virtual | St Marnocks, Lomagundi Road, Stapleford

July 26 2023 | 12pm

RTG

AGM

Rainbow Towers Hotel

July 27 2023 |12pm

ZHL

AGM

206 Samora Machel Avenue

July 28 2023 | 10am

Delta

AGM

Virtual | Head Office, Northridge Close, Borrowdale

July 28 2023 | 12:30pm

Heroes’ Day

Aug 14

Defence Forces Day

Aug 15

zIMBABWE

2023 harmonised elections

August 23

Companies under Cautionary

CBZH

GetBucks

EcoCash

Padenga

Econet

RTG

Fidelity

TSL

FMHL

 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by Bulls ‘n Bears, a division of
Faith Capital (Pvt) Ltd for general information purposes only and does not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or
subscribe for any securities. The information contained in this report has
been compiled from s believed to be reliable, but no representation or
warranty is made or guarantee given as to its accuracy or completeness. All
opinions expressed and recommendations made are subject to change without
notice. Securities or financial instruments mentioned herein may not be
suitable for all investors. Securities of emerging and mid-size growth
companies typically involve a higher degree of risk and more volatility than
the securities of more established companies. Neither Faith Capital nor any
other member of Bulls ‘n Bears nor any other person, accepts any liability
whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this report or its
contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Recipients of this
report shall be solely responsible for making their own independent
investigation into the business, financial condition and future prospects of
any companies referred to in this report. Other  Indices quoted herein are
for guideline purposes only and d from third parties.

(c) 2023 Web: <http://www.bullszimbabwe.com>  www.bullszimbabwe.com Email:
<mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> bulls at bullszimbabwe.com Tel: +263 4 2927658 Cell:
+263 77 344 1674

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