Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
FOR 37-year-old entrepreneur Shingirirai Muchadenyika, the hum of motorised graders and roller compactors on dusty roads in Karoi is more than just an ordinary sound; it is one of opportunity.
Mr Muchadenyika, co-director of Shenkel Construction, is a living testament of how Government policies aimed at empowering locals, particularly the youth, are bearing fruit.
Registered in 2023, Shenkel Construction has quickly carved a niche in road works, bridge construction, warehouses and building projects.
The company is currently rehabilitating, gravelling, and resurfacing several roads in Karoi after winning a competitive Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2(ERRP-2) tender, a development that Mr Muchadenyika described as a milestone not only for his company, but also for young indigenous contractors.
The Government introduced the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP-2) from which councils get money to rehabilitate roads.
The initiative was launched in 2021 to rehabilitate and construct urban and rural roads declared a national disaster, and has been extended to this year to develop a modern, safe, and connected transport network across the country.
“I am grateful to the Government for opening up space for youths like us to participate meaningfully in the economy,” said Mr Muchadenyika in an interview last week.
“For a long time, construction was perceived to be a field reserved for whites or big, established companies. But today, we are proving that Zimbabweans can build their own country.”
With over 20 years of experience working on roads under the Ministry of Transport, Mr Muchadenyika said he drew confidence from his technical background before venturing into private enterprise.
“I realised that instead of remaining in my comfort zone, I could take a bold step and start something of my own,” he said.
“When I saw the opportunities being created through Government tenders and empowerment programmes, I knew it was time.
“The mantra by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,’ is not just a slogan; it is practical. We are now active participants in building this nation.”
Shenkel Construction boasts a fleet of road-making equipment, including motorised graders, roller compactors and bitumen applicators, tools that have enabled the company to deliver quality work within set timelines.
Beyond infrastructure development, the young entrepreneur has also created employment for dozens of youths and women in Karoi, giving many a fresh start.
Ms Sheila Dziva, a mother of two employed by the company, said the opportunity has transformed her life.
“Before this job, it was very difficult to take care of my children. Now I can pay school fees, buy food and meet basic needs,” she said.
“I feel empowered as a woman because I am contributing to my family’s well-being. I thank the company and the Government policies that made this possible.”
For youthful employee Kudakwashe Makurumure, working with Shenkel Construction has provided an alternative path away from social ills.
“In Karoi, many young people fall into drugs because they do not have opportunities,” he said.
“For me, getting this job changed everything. I am learning skills in road construction and earning an honest living. This is the kind of opportunity that other youths must grab with both hands.”
The company’s roads engineer, Ms Rejoice Kapamara, also expressed gratitude for the platform to practice her profession locally.
“As a young professional, it is encouraging to work for a local company that trusts and values our expertise,” she said.
