LONDON (Zimbabwe Investor) - The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) UK branch is hosting in July 2010, the Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Conference in London aimed at bringing together all stakeholders to explore strategies to resolve short term and long terms challenges facing the infrastructure in Zimbabwe.

The conference set for 22-23 July, is looking to attract engineers, investors, policy makers, Government, consultants, contractors, researchers and academics, customers and economists

“There will be a mix of keynote speakers, exhibitions, and networking opportunities” ZIE UK branch’s chairperson, Mr Fredrick Mukonoweshuro told Zimbabwe Investor.

The conference, Mukonoweshuro says, is premised on the understanding that Zimbabwe’s infrastructure has dilapidated due to inadequate maintenance and renewal on the back of lack of funding and qualified personnel. It is therefore in dire need of investment, both in terms of financial and human resources.

“The current efforts of the Zimbabwean Government and Non-Governmental Organisations’ (NGOs) fall far short of the requirements”, said Mukonoweshuro adding, “Access to private investment both local and international is therefore required to complement government and donor efforts”.

Mukonoweshuro argues that Zimbabwe’s infrastructure is crucial for generating growth, alleviating poverty, meeting the United Nations (UN) Millennium Developments Goals (MDGs), increasing international competitiveness as well as being a pre-condition for, and an enabler of, other forms of investment.

ZIE says they have identified four critical infrastructure areas which the conference set for 22-23 July will focus on namely; Water and Sanitation, Transportation, Energy and Information Communications and Technologies (ICTs). These four areas are seen as key to the prosperity of the country as well as being key enablers for mobilising the much needed foreign investment.

The conference will among other things review the current status of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure, develop strategies to address the challenges facing the infrastructure, showcase the role of Zimbabwean engineers working abroad in its rehabilitation as well as setting a clear plan of action going forward.

The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers UK branch has a membership of about 150 engineers working across the various sectors of the British economy. Zimbabweans abroad are seen as key to the economic recovery efforts of Zimbabwe.