Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe Contributory Pension Fund (NRZCPF) is re-purposing its properties into modern facilities that cater for various business needs as they enhance rental income to sustain the livelihoods of their pensioners.
In an interview at a the stakeholder engagement event at the Vicinity Complex (formerly QV House) recently re-purposed, NRZCPF chief executive officer (CEO), Mrs Chipo Hlabangana said the event marked an essential step in their commitment to engagement and collaboration.
“This event is part of a broader process where we are actively showing our stakeholders the journey we are undertaking in re-purposing the Vicinity Complex.
“As the building is still undergoing refinement, it is vital for us to involve our stakeholders in this process. By doing so, we ensure that their insights and feedback are incorporated into the development, making them an integral part of this journey,” she said.
“This collaborative approach not only strengthens our relationships with stakeholders but also enhances the overall quality and relevance of the facilities we are creating.”
She said the engagement event serves as a platform for marketing the Vicinity Complex to prospective tenants, while by showcasing the vision and offerings of the complex, they aim to attract businesses that align with their goals and can contribute to a vibrant community.
Mrs Hlabangana said as they work towards fully operationalising the building, the event was key to raise awareness among the public about the Vicinity Complex and its potential.
“This awareness is crucial for generating interest and excitement around the complex, ensuring that once it opens its doors, it is met with enthusiasm and support from the community. Ultimately, our goal is to create a space that meets the needs of the community and our partners, and by engaging stakeholders, we can achieve that vision together,” she added.
“In our efforts to modernize the Vicinity Complex, several key areas have undergone significant renovations. The focus was on creating a contemporary and inviting environment, particularly by installing clean, glassy cubicles that enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.”
She said they successfully created a substantial number of cubicles, each designed to provide an optimal working environment for tenants.
In terms of rentals, Mrs Hlabangana said to further accommodate tenants, they offer flexible packaging of rentals, allowing businesses to select options that best suit their operational requirements.
“This pricing structure is designed to attract a diverse range of tenants while ensuring the sustainability of our rental income, which ultimately supports the livelihoods of our pensioners.”
She said NRZCPF was committed to enhancing rental income as a means to sustain the livelihoods of their pensioners with a strategy that is multi-pronged and encompasses several key initiatives.
Mrs Hlabangana said these include re-purposing buildings to increase occupancy as they are actively re-purposing existing buildings, such as the Vicinity Complex, to create modern, functional spaces that attract a variety of tenants.
‘This approach not only maximises occupancy but also diversifies our rental income streams. We are also adopting a new digital culture and we are embracing a technologically driven property management culture. By integrating digital tools and platforms, we streamline operations, improve tenant experiences, and enhance overall efficiency in managing our properties,” she said.
In terms of intensive marketing and stakeholder engagement, she said marketing their available spaces effectively was crucial as exemplified by the stakeholder engagement event.
Mrs Hlabangana said they were working to raise awareness of the properties they offer as this not only attracts prospective tenants but also fosters strong relationships with their stakeholders, ensuring their ongoing support.
She said: “We are focused on modernising our buildings by creating facilities that meet contemporary regional standards. This includes upgrading amenities and infrastructure, making our spaces more appealing to tenants and enhancing their overall experience. Through these strategies, along with many others in development, we aim to ensure that the NRZCPF continues to generate sufficient rental income.”
Mrs Hlabangana said this, in turn, will ensure they provide their pensioners with the financial stability and support they deserve.
She said their commitment to modernising their offerings and actively engaging with community was at the heart of their mission to sustain and improve the quality of life for all their pensioners.
“In Bulawayo, the NRZCPF owns a number of properties that are administered by various property managers to ensure efficient operations and maintenance. Among these properties, NRZCPF directly manages a select few.
“This hands-on approach allows us to maintain high standards and effectively respond to the needs of our tenants, ultimately enhancing the value of our portfolio and supporting the livelihoods of our pensioners,” she said.
The NRZCPF is a self-administered pension fund which was started on the 4th of October 1949. The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is the Fund’s employer.
Members of the fund are all permanent staff members of the NRZ and the permanent staff members of the fund.
