Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU-PF Matabeleland North provincial chairman Cde Richard Moyo has said the province is witnessing accelerated infrastructure development under the Second Republic, with major projects being implemented in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
Addressing the party’s Provincial Inter-District Meeting at the Zanu-PF provincial offices in Lupane on Saturday, Cde Moyo, who is also Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, gave an update on key development projects underway across the province.
He said significant progress continued to be recorded in the rehabilitation and construction of major roads, dam construction, higher education infrastructure and community empowerment programmes.
Cde Moyo said work on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road remained on course despite temporary setbacks caused by incessant rains and the reallocation of contractors to work on the Bulawayo-Maphisa Road ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
“There are eight contractors working on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, with each company covering a 50-kilometre stretch,” said Cde Moyo.
“The progress slowed down due to continuous rainfall and later because the contractors were briefly moved to complete the Bulawayo-Maphisa Road where the National Independence Day celebrations were held.”
He said rehabilitation works were also progressing on several strategic roads in the province.
“Work is in progress on the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road and the Lupane-Nkayi Road, while other roads are also being rehabilitated,” said Cde Moyo.
On the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project, Cde Moyo described the massive water project as one of the most strategic developments being undertaken by the Second Republic.
“The Gwayi-Shangani Dam stands as a project of exceptional strategic importance,” he said.
“Its completion has the potential to surpass all other infrastructure achievements of the Second Republic and become the signature legacy of His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa.”
Cde Moyo said the project was now at an advanced stage, with the Government continuing to inject substantial financial resources towards its completion.
“Now, the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project stands at 75 percent completion and receives US$5 million allocation every month towards its completion, which is expected at the end of this year,” he said.
The dam is expected to transform livelihoods through improved water supply, irrigation development and industrial growth in Matabeleland North and surrounding areas.
Cde Moyo also highlighted progress at the Lupane State University Technovation Centre, saying the project would play a critical role in transforming tertiary education and innovation in the province.
“Construction of the Technovation Centre at Lupane State University is advancing steadily and represents a structural intervention poised to revolutionise tertiary education in Matabeleland North province while anchoring future contributions to the provincial economy,” he said.
“The US$10 million-plus facility is on track for completion by 2028.”
He said the centre would provide modern infrastructure to support research, innovation and industrialisation in line with the country’s Education 5.0 policy.
“Once operational, the Centre will house laboratories, classrooms and offices specifically designed to support research and innovation, thereby giving physical expression to Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy of teaching and learning, research, community engagement, innovation and industrialisation,” said Cde Moyo.
He said the province was also benefiting from several other development initiatives under the devolution agenda and Presidential empowerment programmes.
“There are several other development programmes and initiatives taking place under the Devolution agenda and Presidential Empowerment Programmes, including school construction and rehabilitation, borehole drilling and solarisation, women empowerment, youth empowerment and war veterans’ empowerment,” he said.
“All these programmes are designed to realise Vision 2030.”
Cde Moyo said the Second Republic remained committed to ensuring balanced national development and improving the livelihoods of communities across the province through people-centred projects and empowerment initiatives.
