Civil engineering is perhaps the broadest of the engineering fields, for it deals with the creation, improvement and protection of the communal environment; providing facilities for living, industry and transportation, including large buildings, roads, bridges, canals, railroad lines, airports, water-supply systems, dams, irrigation, harbors, docks, aqueducts, tunnel and other engineering constructions.
The Harare Polytechnic Civil Engineering division has been in existence since 1971. It was known as the division of civil engineering and building from 1971 to 1980.
Courses offered from 1971 to 1980 were Civil Engineering Technician Dip E3 , Structural Diploma, Higher Cartographic Tech, IDG course, Building Diploma, Architecture, Painting and Decoration, Brickwork, Quantity Surveying Diploma,E3 course and R.N.T.C.
Graduates of Civil Engineering division must have a thorough knowledge of all types of surveying, properties and mechanics of construction materials, mechanics of structures and soils, hydraulic, fluid mechanics and economics of building.
Among the important subdivisions of the field are; Construction Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Soils and Foundation Engineering, Geodetic Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering and Architectural Engineering.
Head of Division Civil Engineering's Profile
Mr. Tinashe Zowa is the Head of Division Civil Engineering and Head of Division Projects. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Architectural Technology from Bulawayo Polytechnic. Mr. Zowa has designed a number of architectural projects for Harare Polytechnic including the Institutional Clinic, Guardroom, Gym, Water Purification Plant and Ablution facilities. He has vast experience in project management some of which was attained from projects such as building, painting and renovating United College of Education (UCE) structures, Bindura University of Science Education building project, Lotteries and Gaming Board School Construction in Mahusekwa and Harare Polytechnic paving project.
Available Programs of Study
Architectural Technology
Architectural Technology is a discipline that spans architecture, building science and engineering. Key skills for architectural technologists include a strong interest in architecture, drawing, art and design. One also needs to have an excellent eye for detail to complement technical know-how, strong communication and leadership skills and competence in Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
Cartography and Geovisualisation Technology
Cartography and Geovisualisation Technology refers to a set of tools and techniques supporting analysis of geospatial data through the use of interactive visualization. The method through which maps are studied, created and designed. A confluence between practice, science, and art, cartography guides speaks the principles and practical standards behind maps and map making.
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering is a professionalthat engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways. Careers in civil engineering include
Quantity Surveying
Quantity Surveying the action or profession of a person who estimates the cost of the materials and labour necessary for a construction job. Quantity surveying is an important part of all construction and property management projects. A quantity surveyor is responsible for all elements of building cost management, from initial estimate through to project completion, ensuring everything is met within the given budget.
Surveying and Geomatics
Surveying and Geomatics professionals measure and map the surface of the earth, airspace, waterways and establish official boundaries in land while using the latest software, satellite, sonar, 3d scanning and drone technology.
Urban and Regional Planning
Urban and regional planning is a notion that encompasses the whole set of social activities aimed at anticipating, representing and regulating the development of an urban or a regional area. Studying urban planning allows you to develop specialist knowledge in town and regional planning …
Valuation and Estate Management
Valuation and estate management is the supervision and direction of interest held on land or landed property towards achieving some optimum benefit. it is quite a broad term for a number of areas that include property management, surveying, business and finance and the built environment …
Irrigation and Water Resources Engineering
Irrigation and Water Resources Engineering technologists and technicians work on supplying water for human use, removing water when humans have finished using it and developing methods of avoiding damage from excess water (floods)…