After a multi-stage preparatory phase, construction work on the new SMB formation house in Harare began in early June 2026. The project on the Marlborough Drive site is due to be completed by the end of the year.
The project rests on the purchase of a plot in April 2025, at 34 Marlborough Drive, with a total area of 4,541 square metres. A long planning phase lay between the purchase and the start of building: evaluating and selecting the architect, drawing up the plans, obtaining planning permission from the authorities, and running a tender for the construction company.
Purpose of the new building, and the courses of study
The new building will serve as a residence for the SMB students completing their academic formation in Harare. The infrastructure is designed specifically to house two fields of study:
- Philosophy: three years of study.
- Religious Studies: two years of formation.
Project partners and the award of contracts
Planning and execution are being carried out together with local specialist firms.
- Architecture: overall planning was awarded to Nyambuya & Associates Architects in Harare. The practice, led by S. Nyambuya, is responsible for the design and the technical planning.
- Building work: the construction was entrusted to Inkaba Construction (Harare), a member of the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ). The contract was awarded through a selective tender in which six construction companies took part.
Talent Nyarungwe, formator in Harare (right), in conversation with the site manager.
Work on the new formation house is progressing. Handover is scheduled for the end of 2026.
Layout and capacity
Once completed, the site will serve two separate functions.
- The new building is designed to take 20 students and two formators. Alongside the living quarters and bedrooms for students and teaching staff, the layout includes a dining hall, a sitting room, a small meeting room and a chapel.
- The existing building: the five-room house already on the site will be kept. It will be given over to guests and to confreres passing through.
Construction schedule
Earthworks and foundations began as planned in June 2026. The detailed timetable drawn up by the project management provides for the shell, the interior fit-out and the servicing of the site to be finalised over the coming months. Turnkey handover of the whole formation complex is scheduled for the end of the year.
