Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
VICE President General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga has called for intensified efforts to expand infrastructure, industrial capacity, and energy production to support Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and Vision 2030 objectives.
Dr Chiwenga, currently on a tour of key development projects in Masvingo Province, began his visit at Simbi Steel Makers, one of the country’s growing steel manufacturers supplying a range of products for the construction and industrial sectors.
“We are happy with what we have seen here at Simbi Steel Makers. They presented to us that they have identified reserves which will sustain them for the next six years. We have agreed that they are going to focus on expanding their operations. The work happening here shows that our government remains committed to accelerating infrastructure development, strengthening industrial growth and increasing energy generation as part of efforts to drive Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and achieve Vision 2030,” Dr Chiwenga said.
Simbi Steel Makers officials noted that the company’s expansion aligns with government objectives to promote local manufacturing and value addition.
“As Simbi Steel Makers, we continue to expand our operations and increase production in line with the government’s vision of promoting local manufacturing and value addition within the country,” said Project Head Mr Bimalendu Mehta.
The Vice President also visited the Masvingo Mini Interchange along the Harare–Beitbridge Road, a project designed to reduce traffic congestion in the city.
Further highlighting energy developments, Dr Chiwenga toured the newly established Great Zimbabwe Hydropower Plant, which is currently generating five megawatts and feeding into the national grid.
“The establishment of projects such as the Great Zimbabwe Hydropower Plant is a significant milestone as it contributes to increased electricity generation and supports economic activities in Masvingo Province and the country at large. Our priority going forward is to assess all our dams and see those which we can utilise to set up hydropower stations,” he said.
Plant Manager Engineer Justice Jangano confirmed that the station is feeding electricity into the national grid, improving supply across Masvingo and surrounding areas, and plans are underway to replicate similar five-megawatt hydropower plants downstream.
Through the developments implemented by the second republic, Masvingo Province is confident of achieving its targeted US$8 billion economy by 2030.
“As a province, we are confident that these development projects being implemented by Government will play a critical role in achieving the targeted eight billion dollar provincial economy by the year 2030,” said Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
The tour underscores the Second Republic’s continued focus on strengthening infrastructure, supporting industrial growth, and enhancing energy generation as pillars of national economic transformation.
