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Patrick Chitumba-Midlands Bureau
The construction of the modern US$7,8 million shopping mall in Shurugwi by the Mining Industry Pension Fund is progressing well, and completion is expected by March.
Shurugwi is the centre of a major mining district, so is an obvious place for the pension fund of the miners to invest in, but this also fits in with the Second Republic’s drive to revitalise urban areas through smart city concepts and urban renewal, the backbone that investment can be built on. The aim is to transform the country’s urban centres into efficient, sustainable, and vibrant hubs.
Speaking at a familiarisation tour of the project yesterday, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube lauded the initiative as a testament to the Second Republic’s commitment to fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods.
The tour included officials from the Shurugwi Town Council, the Mining Industry Pension Fund, residents, and other Government stakeholders.
“The near completion of this US$7,8 million shopping mall aligns perfectly with the New Dispensation’s urban renewal and smart city vision. This flagship project illustrates our Government’s dedication to creating an upper-middle-income society ahead of 2030 by focusing on local resource mobilisation,” he said.
Minister Ncube noted that the development embodies the principles of devolution and decentralisation, which have empowered communities to contribute meaningfully to provincial gross domestic product growth.
The shopping mall, once open is expected to have a multiplier effect on the provincial economy, creating jobs, promoting skills and technology transfer, and stimulating industries that support mining, agriculture, construction and tourism.
Minister Ncube commended the Mining Industry Pension Fund for its leadership in modernising the country’s real estate sector, emphasising that such investments demonstrate the Second Republic’s commitment to inclusive and broad-based development.
He added that the project aligns with the National Development Strategy 1 and the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan.
“This shopping mall is not just a retail centre; it represents progress, efficiency, and accessibility for the people of Shurugwi and neighbouring communities. Travelling to Gweru or other cities for goods and services will now be a thing of the past,” said Minister Ncube.
Construction on the mall began in August 2022, and another similar project has already been earmarked for Gokwe. Minister Ncube urged local authorities to enhance service delivery by improving roads, street lighting, and infrastructure to support small and medium enterprises.
“Local authorities must prioritise the ease of doing business to attract private sector investment and foster economic development,” he said.
Minister Ncube also stressed the need to adhere to approved master plans and regional planning regulations to ensure sustainable urban development.
“In this regard, I implore all local authorities, guided by their recently approved master plans, to adhere to town and regional planning regulations and emulate efforts by the Second Republic, which, since its inception on November 24, 2017, has promoted regional integration and embarked on modernisation of key infrastructure as a critical sector that attracts and facilitates tourism, trade and investment,” he said.
Minister Ncube praised the people-centred development approach of the Second Republic, which focuses on affordability and accessibility.
“This shopping mall stands as a symbol of our commitment to leaving no one and no place behind, as we build modern infrastructure that drives inclusive growth and enhances community livelihoods,” he said.
“Allow me to appreciate the Second Republic’s people-centric development philosophy that underscores affordability and accessibility showcased through this quality Mining Industry Pension Fund shopping mall.”
Online Reporter