Mat North meets on Provincial Economic Development Plan

MATABELELAND North Province is hosting a two-day workshop, to refine its provincial economic development plan (PEDP) and build on the progress made during a similar meeting three years ago.

Among those in attendance are Matabeleland North rural district councils, thematic issues chairpersons, and the provincial development committee.

During the opening session yesterday, Ms Sithandiwe Ncube, the Permanent Secretary for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, stressed that it was essential to review progress as they mapped the way forward.

In 2021, the province focused on leveraging its unique strengths and natural resources, prioritising food security and nutrition, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, environmental protection, and effective devolution of power.

The meeting serves as an opportune platform to assess progress made in key areas, with Ms Ncube noting that baseline studies used for the strategic plan may not have fully captured the situation on the ground, given that some of the data used consisted of estimates.

She stressed the need to adapt the PEDP to account for unforeseen advancements, such as the discovery of lithium, which presents exciting opportunities for the province, potentially leading to ventures in the explosives industry.

“Since we now have the real figures and knowledge about what is happening on the ground we can now update the plan and integrate new developments, such as the recently commissioned Kamativi lithium mining project,” she said.

The workshop also seeks to rectify any underestimations or overestimations made in the initial plan, with a need to adjust national data to the provincial level, such as wildlife data from ZimParks.

“Matabeleland North has distinct wildlife populations and the PEDP should reflect this.”

The workshop provides an opportunity for deeper analysis of each thematic area, analysing successes and challenges, to collaboratively chart a course for future progress. Participants will then collaborate on solutions, developing detailed reports and action plans for each thematic area, with the resolutions compiled into a document and published on the Matabeleland North website, serving as a powerful marketing tool to attract investment to the province.

Matabeleland North has vast coal and lithium mineral resources, coupled with tourism, timber, gold, and rich soils, creating opportunities for many locals.

The expansion of mining investments in the Hwange District in recent years, with a growing focus on diversification towards coal value addition and energy generation, is set to enhance export prospects and job opportunities in the province.

Overall, the collaborative effort signifies Matabeleland North’s commitment to economic growth and prosperity, aiming to capitalise on its potential and flourish in the years to come, Ms Ncube said