adminThandeka Moyo Chronicle Correspondent
SIABUWA Development Trust (SDT) has embarked on a development project that will see the transformation of Siabuwa rural service centre in Binga district to a town by 2020. The trust is the brainchild of Siabuwa born people who have been motivated by the situation and challenges facing their community.
In an interview yesterday, SDT managing director Dr Collin Warambwa said the major thrust of the project was to industrialise Siabuwa, create employment for the local people and empower them.
“This initiative was started by local people from Siabuwa who realised that no one bothered to sow back into the community after finishing school. Binga falls under the semi-arid zone and hence traditional farming methods are non-lucrative despite it being the primary economic driver in the community’s economic sustenance hence we are facing many challenges in our communities.
“SDT will operate in 10 selected communities in Binga, covering a radius of 70km, where economic development level is low. These communities include Sinampande, Tyunga, Luunga, Kalungwizi, Nabusenga, Sinansengwe, Mucheni, Mujere, Nagangala and Malube,” said Dr Warambwa.
He said his organisation had a vision of developing Siabuwa into a town by 2020 and urged interested partners to come forward.
“This vision, by its magnitude, calls for strong partnerships and financial investments for its full capacity implementation and viability. Through this effort, the organisation is in direct complement to the Government efforts of developing rural communities. We would love to see development in terms of roads, commercial centres, houses, hospitals, schools and rail systems,” he said.
Dr Warambwa also said the project has progressed slowly though they had already engaged international partners to assist.
“We have had enquiries from European funders, with some wanting to fund the entire project but due to exclusivity we cannot let that happen.
“To date, we have secured funding for energy, construction and infrastructure projects but we are currently awaiting Government approval,” he said.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Binga Town Council and as soon as all Government approvals are complete, the project will take off. We are also working with companies from the private sector and pension funds.
“Those who are interested should contact our office as soon as possible on 0772 912 320.”
Siabuwa is more than 100km from Binga Centre.
Online Reporter