TimothyBusiness Writer
Diversified Kadoma-based property developer, Craft Properties, are geared to make significant contribution towards Government’s devolution thrust across Zimbabwe.
Craft Properties (PVT) Ltd founder and chief executive Kudakwashe Taruberekera, said the organisation was prepared to support Government’s vision to let the people grow their economies at a local level.
He said Craft Properties has always been committed to the idea of public-private-partnership in its zeal to assist the Government in the provision of decent and affordable shelter to the people of Zimbabwe.
“Our vision is to expand to all corners of Zimbabwe including the Midlands. As an organisation, we are in support of the idea of devolution and investment in Zimbabwe as it will help the local business investments to be quickly assisted and established as powers would have been delegated downwards to low tiers of authority.
“We have always shared the vision as enunciated by His Excellency President Mnangagwa in the Second Republic and the growth of domestic economies through devolution would be ideal for the development of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Devolution is enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and plays an important role in broadening citizens’ participation in political, economic and social activities in the country.
Taruberekera said programmes such as the Midlands Devolution and Investment Breakfast which was held on August 30, should also be held in other provinces across the country as this will help unpack the programme and its benefits.
“We really believe that this should also be held across the country especially in our province (Mashonaland West) where we have the best and cast natural resources that can be used to grow our GDP,” he said.
“Participating at the Midlands Devolution and Investment Breakfast was an opportunity for us to learn from our colleagues in the Midlands and take lessons to our province.
“The theme was: ‘Unleashing Zimbabwe’s Economic Growth through Accelerated Devolution — The Role of Private Sector and Government’ highlighting the importance of the private sector in
working with central Government for economic development hence our readiness to make a contribution to this worth cause,” he said.
Mashonalad West boasts of the largest deposits of minerals such as gold, platinum, chrome and several others while it continues to dominate in agricultural production.
Taruberekera said the natural resources also makes Mashonaland West the province that should lead in terms of devolution programmes ahead of other provinces.
He said devolution should succeed for people to enjoy the best from their natural resources.
“We have several examples where devolution and decentralisation has been successful especially in South Africa where government and its structures have been successfully taken to the regional offices including legislation.
“In the US, for example, every state controls its budget, it has its own legislature and laws to govern that area so it would be welcome for us to have such structures,” he said.
Devolution is also expected to cut complex bureaucratic procedures while increasing Government officials’ sensitivity to local needs.
Experts also believe that devolution in Zimbabwe may create a geographical focus at local level for co-ordinating national, provincial, district and local programmes effectively.
Craft Properties started as a small organisation in 2008 growing over the years to becoming a reputable organisation that has earned respect and recognition both locally and internationally.
“The secret behind our success is professionalism, honesty and hard work leading to our expansion to having various entities registered locally and internationally,” Taruberekera said.
Currently, Craft Properties is implementing two housing programmes in Kadoma namely Holyland High Density Suburb and Greenfield Cherries Agro-Residential Plots.
Bongani Ndlovu