Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
Hwange Local Board has an estimated 90 percent adult employment rate, anchored by growing investments, which have led to rapid population growth and the need for accelerated infrastructure development.
This was revealed by Hwange Local Board corporate communications officer, Mr Dumisani Nsingo during the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair held in Bulawayo last week.
Mr Nsingo applauded the Second Republic for the “Zimbabwe is open for business” thrust, noting that the policy has attracted eight Chinese companies to Hwange, which have employed thousands of people.
This has seen a boom in Hwange’s economy, driving demand for housing and other key infrastructure.
Mr Nsingo implored investors to consider opportunities in servicing and developing residential stands, building schools and other public facilities.
“We have people coming from as far as Harare, Beitbridge and other places to work in Hwange because there is high demand for labour.
Mr Nsingo said in response to developments in the mining town, the local authority was opening up new areas for residential, commercial and industrial stands.
“We are inviting the private sector to partner us in servicing these new areas as we have limited capacity as the local authority,” said Mr Nsingo.
He said the local authority also plans to establish a new central business district as the town’s CBD area belongs to Hwange Colliery Company.
Mr Nsingo said there is urgent need to build new schools as the few existing schools were overwhelmed by demand for places. “We are looking for investors that can build schools to cater for the rapidly growing population,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Nsingo said companies interested in fish business can take advantage of Hwange town’s proximity to the Zambezi River as it is only about 40 kilometres away.
“There are very few companies doing fish canning, if any, in Zimbabwe and companies interested in this line of business can establish factories in Hwange town which is close to the source of the fish,” he said.
A key advantage for industry, he added, is reliable power supply.
