Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
GWERU’s economic revival has received a major lift from more than US$8 million in private sector investments, underscoring the pivotal role of private capital in infrastructure delivery, job creation and sustainable urban growth.
The projects align with Government’s urban beautification, renewal and modernisation agenda and illustrate how private investment is accelerating the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The developments were showcased last week during a tour of NDS2-compliant commercial sites in Gweru by the Midlands Province Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube.
The itinerary covered SCHEE FET Properties Shopping Complex, Discovery Shopping Mall and Lodges, LTJ Square, Glow Petroleum Complex and 7th Street Mall — all led by local indigenous investors.
Addressing business leaders, property developers and Gweru City Council officials during the tour, Minister Ncube said the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, had opened the economy for local investors to thrive.
“It is indeed with a deep sense of appreciation that I tour Gweru, the City of Progress’ NDS2-compliant commercial buildings that include SCHEE-FET Properties Shopping Complex, Discovery Shopping Mall and Lodges, LTJ Square, Glow Petroleum Complex and 7th Street Mall constructed by local indigenous investors, which underscores the New Dispensation’s mantra of Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa igonamatirwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo, he said.
Minister Ncube said the tour reflects the Second Republic’s pragmatic and visionary thrust towards innovation, modernisation and industrialisation, positioning the country for an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“Milestone achievements realised during Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), NDS1 and accelerated under the NDS2 Infrastructure Development and Housing Pillar demonstrate commendable favourable investment climate created by the New Dispensation since its inception on 24 November 2017 under the stewardship of His Excellency the President Cde ED Mnangagwa,” he said.
He commended investors for uplifting communities through large-scale infrastructure, skills development, job creation, technology transfer and growth of the Midlands provincial GDP, anchored by mining, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, tourism and retail.
He said the US$1,3 million SCHEE FET Properties Shopping Mall, popularly known as Msopero, is a family enterprise providing workspaces for 33 SMEs, and has rolled out impactful corporate social investments, including scholarships and sports sponsorships.
“The sterling work by the Msopero group inspires advancement of the girl child and women empowerment pursued by the Second Republic and ably supported by Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr A Mnangagwa under her community empowerment programmes and projects, among them Agric4SHE, Widows Empowerment Initiatives, Internal Savings and Lending Programmes and Skills Training,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the US$2 million 7th Street Mall, a three-storey development by O J Properties now 70 percent complete, will offer banking and convenience shopping on the ground floor, a food court on the first floor, and a 16-room bed and breakfast on the second floor.
He said the US$750 000 LTJ Shopping Mall, which provides space for 20 shops, opened last year and is fully operational, housing butcheries, electrical and furniture retailers, among others.
“The US$500 000 Discovery Lodges and Shopping Mall owned by Mr Peter Mahwendu, now at 75 percent completion offers 24 rooms comprising 1 Executive and 14 luxurious rooms, and the shopping mall will accommodate 10 SME shops. Glow Petroleum Complex, a US$4,5 million investment with 10 shops and a filling station, offers high-quality fuel and convenience shops,” he said.
Minister Ncube applauded the private sector for mirroring and complementing the New Dispensation’s beautification, urban renewal and modernisation trajectory, exemplified by the Smart City concept in Mt Hampden and Midlands Park Flats in Zvishavane.
“Following the conclusion of master plans, I urge all local authorities to adhere to assigned land uses, uphold His Excellency the President’s Call to Action — No Compromise to Service Delivery blueprint, promote ease of doing business and enforce by-laws on acceptable building standards and operations in line with tenets of an upper-middle-income society,” he said.
Gweru City Council Town Clerk, Mr Livingston Churu, said the local authority aims to position Gweru as an investment destination of choice.
He noted the council is working to ensure adequate water supply for residents and businesses.
“On a daily basis, the city requires approximately 120 megalitres of water, but we are currently pumping less than that. Plans are underway to invest in a new water and sewer reticulation system so that residents and businesses have sufficient water to drive the socio-economic growth of the city,” said Mr Churu.
