Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
ZIMBABWE’S drive to attain upper-middle-income status by 2030 is gaining momentum, with major investment projects in Mashonaland East Province highlighting progress under the country’s development agenda.
A media tour organised by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services showcased key economic projects across the province, highlighting developments in agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure.
The first stop was Wiserow Enterprises in Marondera, a multi-million-dollar blueberry producer undergoing a major expansion programme.
The company produced 527 tonnes of blueberries last year, primarily for European markets, with additional exports destined for the Middle East.
Managing Director Mr Bruce Meikles said production is expected to increase to about 900 tonnes this year as the company expands its hectarage and capitalises on Zimbabwe’s competitive export window.
“Last year we produced 527 tonnes of blueberries mainly to the European markets and some to the Middle East. This year we are aiming to double that production to about 900 tonnes. The big advantage for Zimbabwe is that we are able to produce blueberries from June to the end of September, a period when there is low production in the rest of the world. This gives us an ideal market advantage,” he said.
“Zimbabwean berries have a very good reputation in terms of quality and taste, so they are in high demand. We are looking at increasing our current hectarage from 72 hectares to 125 hectares. Last year, because we came in late, we generated about US$2 million in revenue, but this year we are targeting about US$5 million.”
The delegation also toured Proton Bakers, where management revealed plans to invest US$12 million to expand production capacity.
The company aims to increase output from an average of 180 000 loaves per day to between 260 000 and 270 000 loaves by year-end.
Managing Director Mr Spiros Tselentis said the expansion is being driven by rising demand and confidence in the economy.
“We currently have a market share of 20 percent, although it varies because we do not have a national footprint. We see potential because generally we have seen growth in the economy, so we are expanding our production capacity,” he said.
“Towards the end of the year, we are looking at reaching between 260 000 and 270 000 loaves per day. On average, we are producing about 180 000 loaves per day. Our new project will probably end up being a US$12 million investment.”
The tour also included a visit to the Kunzvi Dam project, where construction is now 74 percent complete.
Assistant Resident Engineer Mr John Tangai said the project remains on course for commissioning in December.
“Kunzvi Dam is now 74 percent complete and we are on target to commission the project this December. Over and above the Kunzvi Dam project, construction of the Musami Dam is expected to start soon. Another smaller dam will also be constructed along the Nora River,” he said.
He added that Musami Dam, with a planned capacity of 304 million cubic metres, is set to commence, with the contractor already on site.
Speaking during the tour, Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said the projects reflect the impact of the devolution programme and the country’s progress towards Vision 2030.
“The projects we have visited today speak to the success of the devolution programme. The blueberry project and Proton Bakers are in Marondera, while the Kunzvi Dam project is also in Mashonaland East and not Harare. These projects are testimony that the country is on track to achieve Vision 2030. These developments are taking place under the Second Republic,” he said.
The media tour continues on Friday, with mining and value-addition projects expected to take centre stage.
