The development of smart cities that is part of Government’s wider plans for the nation to become an upper-middle income society by 2030 will require a holistic approach, including participation of rural and low-income communities and the private sector if desired outcomes are to be achieved.
This came out last week during a four-day conference in Nyanga on the development of smart cities organised by Global Renaissance Investments and drew participants from Government and the private sector. Smart cities use advanced technologies, data analytics and innovative solutions to improve public services, enhance sustainability and promote economic growth.
GRI Board chairman and a planning expert, Professor Joseph Kamuzhanje said the smart cities concept would only succeed by including every strata of society.
“So, who is not on the table? Because what we are trying to do is to do something that is inclusive. A smart city can never be achieved if it excludes some social economy. So, who is not on the table? So, if you look around in this room, who is missing? Who is not here? And, the problems that people face are not caused by the people that are present.
“The problems are caused by the people that are not present. So, when you then decide that this is the direction that will go, the person who was not there when you started the conversation will tell you, we are not going to do that,” Prof Kamuzhanje said.
In a speech read on his behalf, Finance, Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube said on its part, Government was open to the involvement of the private sector by incentivising them to unlock funding.
“It is equally important that Government solidifies the necessary foundations which are required for effective private sector participation towards infrastructure development of our cities at the same time improving on efficiencies and effectiveness in the service delivery,” he said.
“The above include, among others the development of road network, housing, energy, transport, water supply and sewer, ICT infrastructure that are a pre-requisite in the modernisation of our cities, thereby embracing the smart city agenda.
“In implementing and developing the above infrastructure and services, it is important that the expertise and financial resources of the private sector be leveraged wherever possible, given limitations in public financing.”
Prof Ncube said the National Human Settlement Policy, already laid the necessary groundwork for advanced smart city solutions through prioritising basic services such as offsite and onsite infrastructure, addressing informal settlements and promoting sustainable practices.
The focus for embracing smart cities, he said, is on ensuring the broad availability of key elements including safety and security of citizens, particularly women, the aged children and physically challenged individuals, efficient and affordable urban mobility and public transport system.
Affordable modern housing especially for the low-income bracket and the under-privileged, robust ICT connectivity and digitalisation, sustainable environment, proper solid waste management, adequate and reliable water supply and reliable power for both domestic and industrial use taking into account the need for climatic proofing, he added.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Farirai Machivenyika
Quelle/Source: The Herald, 14.07.2025
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