By ZiMining Reporter

CIVIL engineer Tapiwa Onisimo Nhemwa has officially announced his candidacy for a board position at the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE), as the organisation prepares to fill vacancies left by three outgoing members whose terms ended on March 31.

The ZIE, which oversees the engineering profession in the country, has opened nominations for the vacant positions ahead of an election set to wrap up on April 21, 2025.

Voting will be available to eligible ZIE members, with results anticipated shortly after the election closes.

In his statement, Nhemwa expressed his dedication to advancing the engineering profession and enhancing infrastructure delivery through improved governance, technical leadership, and policy advocacy.

“I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for a board member position at ZIE,” Nhemwa shared.

“As a passionate civil engineer, I’m committed to making a lasting impact in the areas of infrastructure development, local governance, and strategic management.”

Currently, Nhemwa holds the position of District Engineer and Technical Services Manager at Zvimba Rural District Council, where he manages significant public infrastructure projects, including roads, housing, and water systems.
With over ten years of experience, he has built a reputation for overseeing multimillion-dollar projects and coordinating teams across complex developments.

As a registered professional with the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe, Nhemwa is also a corporate member of ZIE.
He actively participates in the institution’s initiatives and currently serves on its advocacy committee, which is dedicated to policy engagement, public awareness, and industry standards.
He noted that his involvement with the committee aligns with his broader vision for the engineering community.

“I want to continue supporting the profession through leadership that is responsive, accountable, and forward-looking,” he stated.

While the full list of other nominees hasn’t been made public yet, it’s anticipated that the competition will be fierce, with candidates from both the private and public sectors competing for those influential board positions.

Board members play a vital role in steering ZIE policy, fostering professional development, and ensuring compliance with both national and international engineering standards.

The ZIE has increasingly become a pivotal player in tackling Zimbabwe’s infrastructure issues and enhancing local expertise in civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

Industry insiders believe that strong leadership at the board level is essential as the country aims to increase investment in roads, housing, water systems, and energy infrastructure.

In the weeks ahead, Nhemwa is set to intensify his engagement with voters through professional forums, digital outreach, and direct conversations with fellow engineers.

He emphasised that transparency and collaboration will be at the heart of his campaign strategy.

“I look forward to connecting with colleagues and sharing my vision for a stronger, more impactful ZIE,” he stated.

Engineer Nhemwa is likely to face stiff competition from Engineer Khumalo from NetOne.

As the election draws near, observers note that the new board will be under increasing pressure to align local engineering practices with regional and global trends, enhance regulatory frameworks, and advocate for sustainable infrastructure policies in the face of climate and economic challenges.