Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
MUTOKO is rapidly emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing rural urban centres, with Government’s rural industrialisation and devolution programmes driving infrastructure development, investment and economic growth in Mashonaland East Province.
The Second Republic’s development agenda is transforming growth points into vibrant economic hubs, with Mutoko benefiting from expanding infrastructure, increased mining activity, value addition, tourism investment and improved public services.
Improved road infrastructure, growing industrial activity and the area’s natural attractions are also enhancing Mutoko’s appeal as an emerging investment destination.
Residents say the transformation has created new economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.
“I am happy with what the President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa is doing. We are seeing massive construction of lodges, with roads being rehabilitated. Industries are being established, thereby creating employment,” a resident said.
“There are about 10 big mines operating in Mutoko, which are promoting the growth of Mutoko centre. The decision by the President to promote value edition has led to the establishment of granite cutting and polishing companies. We also have a number of fuel service stations as well as a number of schools that have been constructed,” another resident said.
“There are houses that are being constructed in Mutoko, and this is a big development which has taken place in a short period of time. We have also witnessed the growth of shopping centres, making it convenient for residents. Private schools are also being constructed,” a local member said.
Mutoko witnessed accelerated growth under the second republic, with Mutoko centre being given a town board status. There is the growth of industrial parks, hotel accommodation and construction of health facilities,” another local member said.
“I am happy with the progress being spearheaded by President Mnangagwa which has resulted in the growth of Mutoko centre. The youth are also accessing residential stands,” a resident said.
The local leadership is convinced the area’s growth is being driven by the Second Republic’s policies on rural industrialisation and devolution.
“Construction is taking place with including houses, business enterprises and tourism resorts are transforming Mutoko in to a town. There is now a town board, and we are excited about the developments which are being spearheaded by the President Dr Mnangagwa led administration. The coming in of the Second Republic saw mines being established, which are leading the charge in the construction of houses and business buildings.
“We have also granite cutting and polishing companies which were established after government declared that value addition of minerals is mandatory before exportation. The President is also promoting the growth of the agricultural sector, with farmers also investing in Mutoko. The planned rehabilitation and expansion of the Harare-Nyamapanda Road is expected to attract more investments due to improved road network,” Mutoko South Legislator, Honourable Isaac Tasikani said.
Mutoko Rural District Acting Chief Executive Officer Engineer Reason Makore revealed plans to double the area covered by the emerging town under the rural district council’s development master plan.
“We have developments especially in sectors including the tourism sector and value addition and beneficiation of granite stones. In the area of tourism, we have four major projects that are Suskwe lodge, Gohori resort, Ruchera resort and Chihera resort. We also have shopping malls earmarked for construction at the corner Nyamuzuwe road and Nyamapanda road.
“They are also high-standard houses being constructed. Our plan is to continue expanding Mutoko towards Nyamapanda as well as towards Harare. We are in the process of acquiring additional land as a local authority. At the moment, our area is equivalent to five kilometres radius of the growth point and we want to expand to 10 kilometre radius. There are also business opportunities that are a result of minerals such as black granite and gold in Makaha, which is in the Kudzi district. All those people invest in Mutoko centre,” he said.
Apart from granite cutting and polishing plants, Mutoko bio-economy industrial hub, spearheaded by Finealt Engineering which was originally a jatropha pilot project was scaled up to an industrial park that produces biodiesel, refined cooking oil, and commercial soaps, helping to grow the local economy.
With continued investment in infrastructure, value addition, mining and tourism, the growth of Mutoko marks another milestone in Zimbabwe’s rural industrialisation drive.
