Zim on verge of multi-sector growth

Midlands Bureau

ZIMBABWE is on the verge of unprecedented growth and development across various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, real estate, roads and mining spanning the entire country.

This was highlighted by the Permanent Secretary for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Edgar Seenza, during a workshop organised by the Centre for Conflict Management and Transformation (CCMT) in Gweru.

The event was aimed at sharing experiences and best practices related to mining-induced displacements in the Midlands province.

Running under the theme; “Mining for a Better Future: Best Practices for Mitigating the Effects of Mining-Related Development-Induced Displacements,” the workshop brought together stakeholders from various sectors.

In a speech read on his behalf by Ms Patricia Mpofu, a deputy director in his office, Dr Seenza emphasised that the country’s transformative momentum is driven by the Government’s forward-thinking policies, particularly those outlined in Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

“There is no doubt that Zimbabwe is on the brink of massive developments in almost all sectors such as agriculture, tourism, real estate, roads, and other infrastructure, and mining, occurring across the country, districts, and provinces, thanks to the policies that the Government continues to put in place,” he said.

Dr Seenza further explained that the Government’s development agenda is transformative and inclusive, with a focus on achieving an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030.

The devolution process is central to this agenda, providing provinces with the autonomy to plan and prioritise development projects that capitalise on their unique strengths while ensuring that the people remain at the centre of these efforts.

“Across the country, we expect to see an increase in mining and industrial activities, development of infrastructure such as roads and dam construction, as well as the revitalisation and development of irrigation schemes and commercial agriculture,” Dr Seenza noted.

However, he acknowledged that such transformative development requires sound planning and, in some cases, the acquisition of land for development purposes. Dr Seenza emphasised the need to balance economic and social interests, particularly when people utilising land designated for development must relocate.