Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
INDIAN investor, LifeFirst Concepts and Technologies Pvt Ltd, has expressed interest in partnering local authorities to improve water service delivery.
The firm’s executive team has been in the country for several months exploring investment opportunities that benefit local communities.
They were attracted to the province following a provincial investor conference held earlier this year in Kariba.
During an engagement with representatives from all 14 local authorities in Mashonaland West this morning, in the presence of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, the company’s CEO, Mr Sagar Shah, stated that they are prepared to collaborate with local councils to enhance water delivery.
“As LifeFirst Concepts and Technologies Pvt Ltd, we are a forward-thinking firm specialising in water and wastewater treatment, sanitation, and hydration monitoring technologies,” he said.
“We are keen to partner with local councils in Mashonaland West to ensure residents have access to clean and continuous water supplies.”.
Mr Shah also mentioned that the company intends to introduce a decentralised water augmentation system to lower the costs involved in delivering water from source to consumers and vice versa.
The company’s chairman, Mr Albert Mnangagwa, confirmed plans to establish a plant in Harare that would manufacture reticulation materials, aiming to generate employment and reduce import expenditure.
“Our plant will start producing materials by January 2026 as a way of reducing the local import bill while simultaneously creating jobs for residents,” he stated.
Local authorities have expressed positivity towards the investor’s proactive approach to addressing water service challenges.
The provincial chairman of the Association of Rural District Councils and Makonde RDC councillor, Misheck Nyarubero, said that the investor offered affordable packages within the councils’ financial means.
“All councils in the province are grappling with water service delivery issues. We are pleased that the investor has shown interest in working alongside us to find sustainable solutions,” he said.
Chinhoyi Municipality’s acting town clerk, Engineer Simon Marara, indicated that the provincial capital produces approximately 22 million megalitres of water daily, which is insufficient for the town’s needs.
He emphasised that the investor’s partnership could significantly ease the burden on residents.
Minister Chombo called for collaborative efforts to improve service delivery and uplift community wellbeing in alignment with Vision 2030.
“Through the cooperation of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Vision 2030 will become a reality,” she said.
“The Second Republic has eliminated silo mentality; these results are ours, and we are all accountable for them.
“Let us also remember that the President aims to meet the targets of Vision 2030 by 2028. Such a declaration indicates that we on the ground must work even harder to achieve this. Let us keep embracing the whole of government approach.”
Mashonaland West comprises 14 local authorities, including seven rural councils whose growth points are expanding towards urban centres.
