George Maponga in Masvingo
The National Biotechnology Company of Zimbabwe is building a marula plant at Rutenga Growth Point in Mwenezi in a move expected to spur the growth of the sprawling urban settlement in southern Masvingo.
Besides making wines from the marula fruit which is found in abundance in Mwenezi, the firm will also produce stock-feeds and thick oils through processing the fruit.
The building of the factory that will house the marula processing plant is already at an advanced stage amid hopes the investment would have a domino effect on Rutenga’s economic growth and expansion.
Mwenezi Rural District Council chief executive Mr Albert Chivanga says NBCZ was given 2000 square metres to build its plant.
According to Mr Chivanga the marula plant investment has already started accruing benefits for local villagers who were raking income from gathering and selling marula fruit to the local firm.



