Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
COMMUNITY development in Shurugwi has received a lift through a public-private partnership, with Chinese mining firm Chengxi Chengetai Investments donating solar-powered streetlights to Makusha Township and a bus to Shurugwi Football Club.
The streetlights are expected to improve safety and visibility, while the bus will ease transport pressures on the football club, allowing more funds to go towards player development.
The initiative aligns with the National Development Strategy 2, which promotes collaboration between Government and the private sector to accelerate infrastructure development, community empowerment and improved service delivery.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, commissioned the bus and the streetlights during a function held at Makusha Stadium in Shurugwi on Monday.
He said public-private partnerships remain vital to improving the people’s welfare.
“It is indeed an honour and privilege for me to officiate at this momentous occasion of the handover of 25 solar streetlights as part of a consignment worth US$100 000 to Shurugwi Town Council, and the commissioning of a
Shurugwi Football Club minibus valued at US$45 000 donated by Chengxi Chengetai Investments,” said Minister Ncube.
“This is in line with the company’s comprehensive US$2 million 2026 Corporate Social Investment Programme covering the construction of a dam for the community, the construction and furnishing of the Shurugwi District
Hospital extension complete with doctors’ and nurses’ accommodation, a market centre and village business units.”
Minister Ncube said the initiative complements Government’s development agenda and is an example of how the private sector can contribute to transforming communities.
He said the event demonstrates Chengxi’s robust, people-centric empowerment initiatives being implemented in the
Midlands Province in general and Shurugwi District in particular, covering the health, education, agriculture, SMEs and mining sectors.
Minister Ncube said the company has showcased its corporate social responsibility programme through the construction of Zanu- PF party offices, the construction of a hostel at Shurugwi Female Prison and the resurfacing of Gwenhoro Road.
The firm also renovated Shurugwi District Hospital mortuary, rehabilitated roads in the Midlands Province, drilled boreholes for communities in Shurugwi, established village business units and donated mining claims and equipment to artisanal miners.
Chengxi Chengetai Investments director, Mr Simon Karimanzira, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to community development.
“This is part of our vision, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with the community because we share the same environment and a common future,” he said.
Mr Karimanzira said the 25 streetlights units handed over to council were part of the 100 solar-powered streetlights that the company is donating to the mining town.
“Street lighting is more than an infrastructure project; it is a public-safety intervention, an economic-development initiative and an investment in the dignity of the community. Well-lit streets improve visibility, road safety and security, while allowing residents and businesses to operate more confidently after sunset,” he said.
“Solar technology supports the national call for cleaner, climate-smart and sustainable energy solutions. We look forward to working with Shurugwi Town Council to ensure that all units are installed strategically and maintained properly so that they last.”
Mr Karimanzira said the donation of a bus to Shurugwi Football Club reflects the company’s commitment to youth development and grassroots sport.
Sport, he added, promotes discipline, teamwork, well-being, social cohesion and community pride.
“We trust that this bus will reduce logistical challenges and allow players and officials to travel safely and reliably. To the club, we say, use it responsibly, maintain it properly and let it support the growth of football in Shurugwi,” he said.
Mr Karimanzira said community development is at the heart of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme, which covers health, education, agriculture, community infrastructure, environmental protection, youth development, grassroots sport and livelihood initiatives.
“We aim to support high-impact projects that reach as many people as possible and create lasting value,” he said.
Shurugwi North Legislator, Cde Joseph Mpasi, commended the collaboration, describing it as a model for inclusive development.
“This generous contribution demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together. Let us continue strengthening this partnership as we build and develop our communities,” he said.
Shurugwi council chairperson, Councillor Samuel Mavhenyengwa, said in line with Vision 2030, the town has embraced the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy by creating a conducive investment environment to attract investors.
“We are working well with investors in Shurugwi to make it a better town for investment in line with Vision 2030.
The last time you were here there was a function. We have what we call ease of sporting hence we have availed this ground to our team,” he said.
Cllr Mavhenyengwa said Chengxi Chengetai had now come on board and bought a bus for Shurugwi Football Club.
“Now we also have streetlights which have been donated by Chengetai. These lights will assist in making Shurugwi a better place for residents and the business community,” he said.
