Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo and Patience Ndlovu, Zimpapers Business Hub
DISCUSSIONS on infrastructure development took centre stage at the Matabeleland North Investment Conference in Umguza District last week, amid calls for increased focus on road construction, residential accommodation, sports facilities and promoting investment in key sectors.
The two-day investment conference, which ended on Friday, brought together representatives from Government ministries and departments, potential investors and investors interested in Matabeleland North, where others have already established business operations.
The Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara) was among the participants and clarified issues related to the disbursement of funds for road rehabilitation and construction.
The Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe presented on the need to invest in key infrastructure, which drives investment growth.
In an interview, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo, said infrastructure was key in attracting investment to the province, with accommodation, schools and vocational training centres, among the priority areas.
He said vocational training centres would allow skills transfer and benefit locals and the nation at large, adding that the Government could not do everything, hence the need for collaboration and partnerships with private sector players.
“Investment opportunities are vast in Matabeleland North, with construction in schools, roads, conference centres and vocational training centres to allow youths to learn different life skills,” said Minister Moyo.
“Zimparks also offers opportunities so people can come and put lodges, conference centres and tents inside the parks.
“We were targeting about 180 delegates, but the conference has been oversubscribed and we are around 380, with people still coming and others saying they are coming tomorrow.”
On accommodation, Minister Moyo said all the districts in the province were also in need of housing facilities for both individuals and civil servants, who are working in the province.
The investment conference also saw several potential investors calling for the province to avail more land for industrial purposes, where the Minister said the province has been challenged on that.
In his presentation, Mr Xolelani Ncube from Hwange Rural District Council shared several opportunities in the housing infrastructure, with water and sewer reticulation systems being part of the call.
He said RDCs in Matabeleland North were looking for investors to invest in more than 100 000 units of housing facilities, sewer and water reticulation systems.
Mr Ncube said the indaba sought to drive socio-economic growth through strategic investments in infrastructure and value addition.
Matabeleland North permanent secretary Ms Sathandiwe Ncube, said the discussions sought to find solutions to Matabeleland North’s huge infrastructure gap compared to other provinces.
She said lack of infrastructure does not go well with investments, hence the need to invite investors, who can put their investments in general infrastructure, to attract further investments and improve value addition.
Meanwhile, on the much-awaited Bulawayo Victoria Falls Road, a Zinara representative said this will need investors, who will provide different services during the road rehabilitation.
