Quantity Surveying Steering the New Urban Agenda in Zimbabwe

Sustainability learning deficits are evident in the quantity surveying profession in Zimbabwe, particularly regarding achieving the New Urban Agenda through provision of robust and resilient infrastructure. However, the derivation and implementation of remedies still lag. Therefore, this study aims to explore strategies that can be implemented for quantity surveyors to effectively contribute to the New Urban Agenda. Structured interviews of key informants (quantity surveying academics, the quantity surveying professional body educational committee representatives, and relevant government departments heads) were utilised to collect qualitative data. Thematic analysis revealed key learning and work-related fundamentals. These include expanding the curriculum for under and postgraduate quantity surveying degree programmes to include sustainable cities and resilient infrastructure aspects. Further, the need for sustainable cities continuous professional development programmes for quantity surveying professionals is supported. Holistically, all construction professionals need to improve their sustainable development and construction literacy. Recommendations include the promulgation of statutory stipulations that support robust sustainability-enhancing construction projects. Views of quantity surveying professionals were emphasised as these are best suited to reveal their profession’s inadequacies. Social and environmental sustainability literate quantity surveyors and construction economists are paramount to the realisation of the New Urban Agenda through relevant cost advice and alternative competitive solutions.