Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
THE Construction of a state-of-the-art vehicle showroom and shopping mall at Quest Motor Manufacturing (QMM) in Mutare is advancing rapidly, with the first phase of the project expected to open by July this year.
The ambitious development is set to significantly reshape Mutare’s commercial landscape while supporting the revival of vehicle assembly operations at the company.
Once complete, the complex will rank among the city’s largest commercial centres, combining a modern retail mall with a showroom dedicated to locally assembled vehicles.
The structure, which has already been roofed, now stands prominently near QMM’s assembly plant, with workers on site pushing ahead to meet the first-phase deadline.
In an interview, QMM General Manager Mr Carl Fernandes said the project is designed to bring modern retail and vehicle sales facilities closer to residents in Mutare and surrounding areas.
“We are building a state-of-the-art mall similar to Greenfields Mall in Harare, and that is going to be right here for our people in Mutare,” he said.
Mr Fernandes noted that the facility would also serve customers from outlying areas who often face challenges accessing major shopping centres within the city.
“People from as far as Birchenough Bridge will have a place to come and shop without actually entering Mutare,” he said.
The complex will feature a modern vehicle showroom for Apex Auto, showcasing vehicles assembled at the Mutare plant, alongside a shopping mall expected to accommodate about 200 shops once fully complete.
“We will have a full spectrum of shops, and we are hoping to attract a fast-food giant as well,” he said.
The project is being implemented in phases, with the first section scheduled to open in July, while construction continues on the remaining stages.
“We are rolling it out in stages. By July, the first phase should be operational, with work continuing on the other four stages,” said Mr Fernandes.
The development coincides with renewed efforts by QMM to revive vehicle manufacturing in Mutare after years of subdued activity.
The company has already resumed assembling vehicles, which will be displayed and sold at the new showroom.
Among the models currently being assembled are the JAC T9, Foton Tunland V9 and JAC T8, as the company expands its production line.
QMM is also moving into the production of electric and new-energy vehicles as part of its long-term strategy.
Assembly of models such as the BAW Mini Car, Skyworth SUV and GAC Aion V electric vehicles is expected to begin by August.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, welcomed the investment, describing it as a strong signal of growing confidence in Mutare’s economic potential.
“The project is expected to stimulate economic activity in surrounding communities through increased retail business, transport activity and customer traffic.
“QMM’s revival has become one of the biggest industrial developments currently taking place in Manicaland. The company is central to efforts aimed at restoring Mutare’s manufacturing base,” he said in an interview after touring the construction site.
