Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Reporter
ZVISHAVANE is undergoing a significant transformation in its residential and commercial landscape, with the Midlands Park and Varsity Heights developments attracting fresh investment into the mining town while stimulating infrastructure upgrades, expanding accommodation options and strengthening local authority revenue streams.
The developments have emerged among the flagship investments supporting the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda, with their impact extending beyond housing to include improvements in road networks, sewer systems, electricity infrastructure and broader economic activity.
Zvishavane District development coordinator Mr Darlington Chokera said the projects were among the notable achievements recorded under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), describing them as high-impact investments that had transformed the outlook of the town.
“We are happy with this project as local government. It was done during NDS1, so it is one of the suc-cesses of our Government,” he said.
Mr Chokera said the developments were also contributing towards Zvishavane Town Council’s drive to attain municipal status by broadening its revenue base through increased rates and property-related income.
“Zvishavane Town Council is aiming for municipal status and this project is certainly going to enable Zvishavane to get municipal status. We have also seen a revenue boost at Zvishavane Town Council courtesy of the rates that are being collected here,” he said.
The investments have triggered substantial upgrades to key public infrastructure, with roads, sewer re-ticulation systems and electricity networks being improved to support the growing residential and commercial activity in the area.
“There are a lot of people and the infrastructure in the town has improved. The tarred roads, sewer lines and electricity lines have all been upgraded because of this project,” said Mr Chokera.
He said the next phase of the development could include the construction of a shopping mall, a move expected to further boost business activity and investment in the town.
“We were told by the investor that this project should go with a shopping mall. We will have our little Dubai here in Zvishavane,” said Mr Chokera.
Midlands Park property manager Mr Michael Kanengoni said the development had attracted strong demand from a wide range of tenants, including families, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and students.
Mr Kanengoni, who assumed responsibility for the day-to-day management of the development in April last year following its completion, said occupancy levels had remained strong.
The development consists of 156 residential units, with Midlands State University (MSU) taking up 40 units to provide accommodation for students and staff members.
“The response was very overwhelming. We have different occupants, including families, SMEs and Mid-lands State University, which took over 40 units. The demand has been good,” said Mr Kanengoni.
The project has also helped expand accommodation options for students at the Midlands State Univer-sity Zvishavane campus, easing pressure on the town’s existing housing stock.
First Mutual project clerk Mr Milton Mapepeta said the company, which delivered the development, had invested heavily in supporting infrastructure to ensure the project’s sustainability and long-term success.
The infrastructure works included the rehabilitation of the 11kV and 15kV power lines, upgrading of the Maglass sewer system and construction of approximately two kilometres of access road linking Pick n Pay to the cluster housing units.
The company also carried out feasibility studies and engaged students to assess accommodation de-mand before the units were occupied.
Mr Mapepeta said the first group of students moved into the development on February 15 this year, with an initial intake of approximately 150 students demonstrating strong demand and potential for future growth.
The development comprises a mix of two-bedroom and three-bedroom units, catering for the accom-modation needs of different categories of residents.
Residents say the projects have improved infrastructure and placed essential services within easier reach, making a noticeable difference to their quality of life.
Ms Rutendo Moyo, a civil servant and tenant at Midlands Park, praised the Government for supporting housing developments that cater for ordinary families.
“This development shows that Government is serious about Vision 2030. We now have decent, safe housing close to town with water and electricity. It means my children can walk to school and I can save money I used to spend on transport. These are pro-poor projects that are changing lives,” she said.
For students, the developments have also helped ease accommodation challenges that previously forced many to live far from campus.
Mr Tafadzwa Mwale, a Midlands State University student who moved into Varsity Heights in February, said the development had greatly improved his living conditions.
“We used to struggle with transport from outside town and pay high rentals for poor houses. Now we have secure accommodation, with power and good roads. The Second Republic is listening to young people and students. This is development that leaves no one behind as we work towards Vision 2030,” he said.
