Kwekwe makes strides in attaining NDS1 targets

KWEKWE District in the Midlands province has made significant headway in attaining the targets set in the National Development Strategy (NDS1) through the successful completion of several projects under the devolution and decentralisation agenda programmes.

The district comprises Kwekwe City Council, Redcliff Municipality and Zibagwe Rural District Council and has achieved remarkable milestones in housing and health sectors.Kwekwe is also attracting substantial investments ranging from construction, mining to farming.

Numerous housing projects have been implemented in the district, including the development of over 420 residential homes in Rutendo Extension, 74 homes in Renin, Redcliff, and the construction of 649 homes in Cactus, 200 homes in Mbizo 18 Extension and 154 homes in various locations under Zimasco.

Devolution funds have been utilised to upgrade Bell Medical Centre and Torwood Hospital, rehabilitate Redcliff Clinic and build Kwekwe Infectious Diseases Hospital, and Ward 14 Clinic.

Other significant achievements include building the Amaveni Drug Rehabilitation Centre, the Sherwood Clinic Executive Ward under Zibagwe RDC, Langton, Fafi, and Milsonia clinics and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Kwekwe-Mvuma Road. Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube, lauded Kwekwe District for demonstrating exceptional innovation, coordination, unity of purpose and diligence in line with Vision 2030 and NDS1 programmes during the inaugural Kwekwe District 2024 NDS1 Expo hosted at the Mining Museum.

“I am impressed by the high level of innovation, co-ordination, unity of purpose and diligence exhibited by Kwekwe District, which is yielding milestone achievements such as the successful hosting of this NDS1 Expo just a few weeks after hosting the highly successful 2024 Provincial Independence Ball and commemorations,” he said.

“I am reliably informed that the idea to host the NDS1 Expo was mooted during the district’s NDS1 progress review meeting held in December 2023. In fulfilment of the idea, today corporates, Government Ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, SMEs, and local authorities are here showcasing achievements by the Second Republic since its inception.

“Furthermore, the expo presents a learning opportunity for exhibitors and the public on business start-ups, improving product range and quality to the current mix of markets, among them the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

He said the district has the potential to leverage its human resources, manufacturing infrastructure, minerals, fertile arable land, and a favourable climate supporting both crop and livestock production for growth and improvement.
He said 85 percent of the district lies in natural region three which is suitable for both intensive and extensive farming and livestock production.

“To this end, the Second Republic has supported small-scale farmers through the provision of agricultural inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme as well as the subsidised agricultural loan facilities.

“It is important to note that in addition to the main actors in the mining sector which are Jena Mines, Commoner Mine and ACF, there are also artisanal miners in the district who require support to increase production as well as environmentally friendly and sustainable mining,” said Minister Ncube.

He lauded First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for complementing the provision for quality health for all by 2025 policy when she handed over an E-clinic with internet connectivity at Sherwood Farm.

The district has drawn increased investments worth millions of dollars across all sectors, including projects by Ber Pig Iron and Steel Company, Dendairy, Mafuro Dairy and Evergreen Energy Private Limited, among many other sources.

These investments provide a significant boost to local economic and GDP growth as well as achieving the National Vision 2030.The Government has several ongoing projects such as the construction of the Vungu Dam and the Mnangagwa MSU Law School.

Furthermore, there are numerous investment opportunities within the district such as the establishment of a water treatment plant for Redcliff Municipality, solar energy generation, minerals mining and processing, agro-processing, poultry hatchery units, cement manufacturing, manufacturing of steel and fabrication of steel products. Minister Ncube encouraged all Midlands districts to take stock of their achievements and work towards attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.