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From Victoria Ruzvidzo in Beijing, China
The world’s largest infrastructure development company, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), will soon establish a regional office in Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mnangagwa. Speaking during a tour of the company here yesterday, the President said Zimbabwe’s infrastructure was 18 years behind due to sanctions imposed by the West, stressing that companies such as CCCC would transform the situation for Zimbabwe.
Rail, road, dams and airport infrastructure needed reconstruction for the economy to perform optimally.
“Yes, as a Government we do not have adequate resources to finance these projects, but I believe you (CCCC) can access funding . . . l feel this is the correct place. The ball is in your court to come and partner Zimbabwe.
The Chinese firm immediately accented to the request and said they would come to Zimbabwe.
“Yes, indeed our company will establish a branch in Harare as soon as possible,” said CCCC chairman Liu Qitao.
President Mnangagwa said among the major projects, Zimbabwe needs a tram between Harare and Chitungwiza, construction of a modern bridge at the Victoria Falls, expansion of the Robert Mugabe International Airport, Buffalo Range Airport and eight border posts linking Zimbabwe with South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
Inadequate infrastructure has impacted negatively on economic reconstruction. Foreign and local investors have also registered their concerns, but President Mnangagwa said Government was seized with the issue.
“We are behind. We want in the next 12 years to become a middle-income economy,” he said while addressing CCCC senior management.
The company is involved in the investment, design and construction of highways, railways, airports and airports.
It has more than 50 wholly owned subsidiaries.
It has investments on all continents. It built Kenya’s much vaunted Standard Gauge railway that links Nairobi and Mombasa.
Online Reporter