adminBusiness Correspondent
THE first phase of the $120 million housing project for the country’s third largest platinum mine, Unki Mine, is almost complete with 350 houses almost ready for occupation.
Unki Mine is constructing 950 houses for its employees at the 1,105 hectare Impali Source Farm about 5km southwest of Shurugwi.
The mine, wholly owned by the world’s biggest platinum producer, Anglo American, has been rattled by the plummeting of the white metal price on the world market over the past three years, which has resulted in delays in completing the project due to funding constraints.
Unki Mine chief financial officer, Colin Chibafa told Chronicle Business that the company has completed 200 housing with the 150 units almost “99 percent” complete.
“The first phase of housing project is almost complete with 200 houses ready for occupation but we’re looking to have a total of 350 houses and the 150 houses are 99 percent complete and will be officially commissioned in June paving way for their occupation,” he said.
“The project is part of our commitment in the lives of our workers and the community around. And our relationship is real and permanent when it comes to development,” said Chibafa.
The mining company has also constructed a double storey primary school, 16 classrooms fitted with furniture.
The mine has invested heavily in a 33kV sub-station to guarantee power supplies to the housing project.
Water is supplied from the 2,012 mega litre Impali Source Dam and will be augmented by supplies from Gwenoro Dam — the major source of water for Gweru and Shurugwi Towns.
Apart from the housing project, the mine has also spent $22 million in community social investment around Shurugwi and Gweru in a number of community developmental projects.
Online Reporter