Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube- Matutu, [email protected]
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has arrived in Gwanda to assess the implementation of high-impact projects that are set to drive infrastructure development, rural industrialisation and agriculture reform.
His visit will start with a tour of the Gwanda Lithium Mine in Mandihongola area.
The US$54 million mining venture is a subsidiary of Chinese global investor Tsingshan Holdings Limited Group. Since its inception in January 2024, Gwanda has been producing about 1 500 tonnes per day of lithium concentrate.
The output, in an increasingly electrified global economy, underscores the mine’s operational efficiency and potential for growth.
The lithium mine employs 300 people, 80 percent of them locals.
Production is expected to reach one million tonnes of ore and 200 000 tonnes of lithium concentrate annually once the plant reaches full production capacity.
VP Chiwenga will also visit Tuli Manyange dam site, which has been stalled for decades.
Once complete, Tuli-Manyange, which has a holding capacity of 35 million cubic metres, is expected to provide raw water for irrigation purposes, boosting food security in Matabeleland South.
The dam is set to provide relief to Matabeleland South, a province usually characterised by low annual rainfall patterns, which have eroded the sustenance capabilities of most households.
Thus, the construction of Tuli-Manyange dove-tails with the Second Republic’s goal to build new water bodies that will support the switch from rain-fed agriculture and help food-insecure communities through provision of water for both irrigation and fisheries.
At least 2 000 hectares of land will be put under irrigation once the project is complete and the dam will service Vela, Guyu Business Centre, Ntalale Business Centre, Chelesa Business Centre, Sizhubane Barracks, Manama Mission and Business Centre, Sebasa and Mankonkoni irrigation schemes.
In addition, Vice President Chiwenga will visit the Garanyemba Village Business Unit where he will interact with the community.
The Garanyemba Village Business Unit (VBU) is a government- and partner-supported project designed to boost the rural economy through sustainable agriculture and business development.
It focuses on transitioning the community from subsistence farming to thriving rural enterprises by providing infrastructure like solar-powered boreholes for irrigation, drip irrigation systems, and training in business management and animal husbandry
