Online Reporter
Online Reporter
In a shining example of corporate social responsibility and meaningful community engagement, Haulin Quarry Mine has donated 50 solar-powered street lights valued at US$7,000 to the residents of Pumula North, Bulawayo.
The lights, which are already being installed across Ward 17, are expected to significantly improve public safety and night-time visibility in the high-density suburb.
The donation is being implemented in phases, with Ngena Road, one of the main roads in Pumula North, among the first areas to benefit.
Installation is already underway along Ngena Road, a critical route for both pedestrians and vehicles that has long suffered from poor visibility and security concerns.
The initiative, spearheaded by Haulin Quarry Mine, is being welcomed as a landmark development for the community — many of whom have long endured dimly lit streets and rising concerns over crime and public safety after dark.
Located on the outskirts of Pumula North, Haulin Quarry Mine is a key player in the construction materials sector, producing high-quality quarry stones and aggregates used in building and infrastructure projects across Bulawayo and beyond. Despite being in the extractive industry, often criticized for neglecting host communities, Haulin Quarry has chosen to lead by example, ensuring its operations leave a positive footprint in the area.
Zimpapers spoke to Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo, who emphasized the importance of the project in addressing long-standing community concerns.
“As a councillor, I welcome the development as it is addressing issues of public lighting. As a community, we were experiencing a lot of muggings and vandalism. This donation brings relief to our challenges. We appreciate Haulin Quarry for playing its part in community development,” she said.
The solar lights are being mounted at critical locations including busy intersections, footpaths leading to schools and clinics, and around business centres. These are areas with high pedestrian activity and previously had no adequate lighting, exposing residents — particularly women and children — to danger.
Trust Mkwananzi, Chairperson of the Ward 17 Development Committee, echoed similar sentiments.
“We are very happy with such a development. The area was very dark — it was not safe to travel or move around at night. This is a positive move and we hope it inspires other companies to also support community projects,” he said.
This development aligns directly with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and feeds into the vision of NDS2, which places emphasis on partnerships between government, communities, and the private sector in delivering sustainable infrastructure and basic services. The use of solar technology also advances the national agenda of promoting renewable energy and environmental sustainability, as Zimbabwe moves towards a green and inclusive economy.
According to sources close to the company, this is not the only initiative Haulin Quarry Mine is undertaking. There are ongoing consultations with community leaders and city authorities to explore further contributions such as road rehabilitation, youth empowerment programs, and skills development initiatives for local residents.
Such programmes will not only create employment and economic activity in Pumula North but also strengthen the relationship between the mining company and the local community.
As Zimbabwe pushes towards its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy, projects like this provide clear examples of how private players — especially in the mining sector — can play a transformative role in shaping inclusive and resilient communities.
Already, the impact of the lighting project is being felt. Residents are now able to walk safely at night, conduct small evening businesses, and access health services during emergencies with more confidence. With Ngena Road being lit, movement along one of the busiest arteries of the suburb is becoming safer and more efficient.
In a time when many communities are battling service delivery gaps, Haulin Quarry Mine’s gesture demonstrates that development is not just about minerals — it is about people, dignity, and a shared vision for a better tomorrow.
