Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE establishment of a haulage truck trailer assembly plant at Mega Market, steady progress on the Christmas Pass Bypass Road and the construction of modern student accommodation at the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) are tangible indicators of Zimbabwe’s drive to accelerate infrastructure and economic development, Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring and Implementation of Government Programmes and Projects, Dr Joram Gumbo, has said.
Dr Gumbo made the remarks in Mutare on Wednesday during a validation and implementation assessment tour of the three projects, which span the industrial, transport and education sectors.
He said the projects demonstrate a growing focus on translating development plans into visible outcomes that improve livelihoods and strengthen the productive capacity of the economy.
“One of the defining characteristics of the Second Republic has been its determination to move beyond policy formulation towards effective implementation. Development is ultimately measured, not by the number of plans produced, but by the number of projects completed, services delivered and lives transformed,” said Dr Gumbo.
He noted that strategic investments are critical in creating jobs, stimulating industrial growth and improving living standards.
“The projects before us represent more than bricks, concrete and machinery. They are investments in Zimbabwe’s productive capacity, investments in our people’s potential and investments in the future competitiveness of the economy,” he said.
A major highlight of the tour was the US$2 million trailer assembly plant established by diversified Mutare-based fast-moving consumer goods company, Mega Market. The facility is already operational and targeting both domestic and export markets.
Dr Gumbo said the investment supports efforts to promote local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
“The development of the trailer manufacturing facility is a demonstration of the country’s transition from an import-dependent economy towards a productive, industrial and export-oriented economy. Industrialisation remains a key driver of sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of investment in higher education infrastructure, describing universities as critical centres for innovation, research and entrepreneurship.
“By expanding accommodation infrastructure, the Government is creating an enabling environment in which students can excel academically, researchers can innovate and institutions can produce the highly skilled graduates required to drive industrialisation and economic transformation,” said Dr Gumbo.
He added that infrastructure and industrial projects being implemented across the country are contributing towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
“These projects stand as tangible evidence of a commitment to translate national policy into measurable development outcomes. They illustrate how Vision 2030 is being implemented across provinces, districts and communities through investments in infrastructure, industry, education and innovation,” he said.
Mega Market managing director and chief executive officer, Mr Muhammad Shiraan Ahmed, highlighted the importance of supporting local investors, saying domestic investment plays a crucial role in economic growth and job creation.
“We appreciate the Government’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment. However, domestic direct investment is equally important because profits generated locally are often reinvested into infrastructure expansion, skills development and employment creation within the country,” he said.
Mr Ahmed appealed for incentives targeted at local investors, including duty and VAT rebates on capital equipment as well as concessions on semi-knocked-down trailer kits imported for local assembly.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the projects are contributing to the province’s economic transformation.
“Today’s tour has taken us through three important sectors of development. We have seen investment in commerce through Mega Market, improvements in connectivity through the Christmas Pass Bypass Road and investment in education through the student hostels at MSUAS. Together, these projects tell the story of a province positioning itself for greater productivity, efficiency and growth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Christmas Pass Bypass Road project agent engineer, Engineer Kuzivakwashe Mandishona, said construction work is progressing according to schedule.
“We are making steady progress and remain on course to complete the project by mid-next year,” he said.
The project comprises 31,2 kilometres of road construction, upgrading, widening and rehabilitation works. It also includes two grade-separated interchanges, two interchange bridges and a tollgate.
At MSUAS, Vice-Chancellor Professor Albert Chawanda, said construction of the new student hostels is nearing completion, with the accommodation facility expected to house up to 200 students.
“This development will significantly improve student welfare, particularly for first-year students and female students who often face challenges in securing suitable accommodation off campus. Once completed, the hostels will provide a safe and convenient learning environment within the university precincts,” he said.
Professor Chawanda said the new facility will enhance the university experience and support the institution’s long-term growth plans.
