adminhas in over a decade initiated several construction projects in the provincial capital, which seek to improve people’s lives in the drought prone area.
Some of the projects include construction of the Lupane State University administration and hostels blocks, a Government office complex, a provincial hospital and a dam.
People who spoke to The Herald in Lupane on Sunday said they were excited that the provincial capital was developing.
They, however, expressed concern that the projects were taking too long to be completed.
“The dam (Bubi-Lupane) is one of the positive things that have been done in our town. At least now we can do projects that require water,” said Mr Mlindelwa Mpofu.
“People in this area are now able to do agriculture projects because we have the irrigation facility. This will go a long way in alleviating poverty in this part of the country.”
Another resident Ms Thandeko Ngwenya said construction of the Lupane State University was going to develop Lupane area.
“Once the university is complete and students are now staying here, Lupane is going to be developed. Businesses will thrive because of students’ presence here. We are, however, worried that it is taking too long to complete the construction. We wonder why Government can’t commit itself to complete this project. It has been so many years since the construction started.”
The area is cattle ranching region and the university’s programmes have a bias towards animal husbandry and research.
“We also expect our children to enroll at the university when they see other students around. They will be inspired to learn as well.
“At the moment most of our children both boys and girls are going to South Africa before completing their Ordinary Levels.”
Mr James Makamure said they were anxiously waiting for the Lupane Gas Project to commence.
He said the Gas Project was going to uplift lives of many people in the province. The project, that was granted National Project Status by Government in 2007, has the potential to ease Zimbabwe’s power woes.
“I don’t understand why projects in this area are taking too long to be completed compared to other areas. We expect Government to use the same urgency they use for projects in other province,” he said.
Some of the residents bemoaned poverty, but acknowledged that the grain loan scheme was helpful.
Matabeleland North Governor Cde Thokozile Mathuthu said they expected Treasury to release funds so that the projects could be completed.
“We expect the Ministry of Finance to immediately release money so that the university can be completed,” she said.
“We also want to move into our Government complex as soon as it is completed. What is only left at the complex is plumbing, water and electricity and the kitchen. We expect these to be completed as soon as the funds are released.
“Bubi-Lupane Dam that was commissioned recently will also go a long way in the construction sector because now there is water.”
Governor Mathuthu said they wanted the projects to be completed soon so that other projects can be resumed for instance the provincial hospital that was stopped at foundation level after funds ran out.
Concern has been raised over the slow pace of development in Lupane, which was declared a provincial capital for Matabeleland North in 1999.
Some Government departments have since relocated from Bulawayo to Lupane while others are expected to move from Hwange to the provincial capital.
Online Reporter