Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
GOVERNMENT’S innovation and modernisation drive at universities is producing tangible results, with the construction of a 1.5 million-masau processing factory in the Chief Hwata area of Muzarabani nearing completion.
The factory awaits the installation of a processing plant.
This masau tree stands as a symbol of growth and resilience right in front of the newly completed 1 640 square metre Masau Processing Factory. The move is set to usher in a new era of economic development and innovation in Muzarabani.
What began as an experiment in the laboratories at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) Innovation Hub four years ago has matured into a multi-million-dollar project that has created jobs and economic opportunities that are transforming the lives of people in the Chief Hwata area of Muzarabani.
“I liked the project. It has created jobs for our kids. We are getting help also when we sell Masau. I started working last year. I managed to enhance my household as a mother. I could buy what I can, such as goats and some items to facelift the house and pay school fees,” factory worker, Chipo Bangira said.
“I was three years old when the place was a forest. Until I became a builder, I managed to buy a stand that I am building in the location. The project should go on because it has reduced unemployment, and when production starts, it will open downstream benefits,” builder Osward Mudzamiri said.
“I started as a steel fixer and then transferred to services. Our lives have changed, and I thank the President for bringing the project. Masau are bought from women in the villages, and our grandmothers are reaping the benefits, so we are ready for the plant to come. It is a plant that will impact the whole of Muzarabani,” Services Foreman Zivanai Soka said.
BUSE Vice Chancellor Professor Eddie Mwenje indicated production should start this August once the processing plant is installed.
“We are expecting the arrival of the equipment that was being fabricated in China. It is on the seas, and we are expecting that in the middle of July, the equipment ought to get into Zimbabwe. As soon as it gets through, we hope to do the installation of that plant. The government has invested a lot. In phase one, the government has put in 1.5 million in the whole project. The season of masau is upon us. The masau processing project, which is in line with the heritage-based education 5.0 model, has also received support from the National Biotech Authority and will produce masau juice in phase one, energy bars and yoghurts in phase two, as well as wines from baobab fruit in the long run,” he said.
With the superstructure complete and tonnes of fruit having been delivered to the factory, workers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Masau Processing Plant that will transform innovation into reality.
