Zimbabwe’s growing investment in roads, bridges, dams and mining infrastructure faces risks from premature deterioration, inadequate maintenance and poor material selection, with industry experts set to examine ways of protecting public and private assets at an upcoming conference in Harare.
The two-day Engineered to Endure conference, scheduled for October 28 and 29 at Rainbow Towers, will focus on structural resilience, infrastructure protection and the need to extend the lifespan of major development projects.
The conference comes as the country directs investment towards transport networks, road rehabilitation, dam repairs and mining developments to support economic growth and expand productive capacity.
However, the organisers warn that inadequate waterproofing, corrosion, concrete deterioration and failure to address difficult ground conditions can lead to structural damage, costly repairs and, in severe cases, partial or complete collapse.
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Sharai Zinyemba, the architect behind the conference, said investing in appropriate materials and preventive maintenance from the outset could help reduce the financial burden associated with avoidable infrastructure failures.
“The principle is simple, invest in getting it right from the beginning, rather than paying repeatedly for preventable failures,” Zinyemba said.
She said local and regional experts would share practical knowledge and case studies on engineering and maintenance approaches that could extend the lifespan of infrastructure, reduce costs and safeguard investments.
Mining infrastructure will also be a key focus, particularly facilities exposed to conditions that accelerate deterioration, including processing plants, structural steel, storage tanks and conveyor systems.
According to the organisers, corrosion and leaking storage tanks can disrupt mining operations, increase maintenance expenditure and expose workers to hazardous substances, making asset protection and environmental safeguards important to operational efficiency.
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