Story by Tamuka Charakupa
INFRASTRUCTURE projects are gathering pace in Chinhoyi, with business operators and property owners embracing the urban renewal concept as the Mashonaland West provincial capital undergoes a visible transformation.
Long regarded primarily as a farming town, Chinhoyi is experiencing an infrastructure boom marked by refurbished commercial buildings, upgraded roads and modernised shop fronts, steadily redefining its skyline and economic outlook.
Residents say the changes have injected new energy into the central business district (CBD).
“We are witnessing a visible change in our town. The renovation of buildings and improvement of roads have brought new life into the CBD. For us as residents, it means improved services, better business prospects and a cleaner environment. It gives us confidence that Chinhoyi is moving in the right direction,” community members said.
They added that the upgrades are creating opportunities for young people.
“The infrastructure upgrades are opening up opportunities for young people. As new shops and businesses come in, employment prospects increase. Instead of travelling to bigger cities to look for work, we can now see potential right here at home.
“Chinhoyi used to be known mainly as a farming town, but now it is evolving. The facelift has restored pride among residents. When investors see modern buildings and organised streets, they are more likely to invest, and that benefits the whole community.”
Businesspeople and property owners attributed the momentum to policy stability and investor confidence.
Mrs Michelle Yambira, property owner at Gandi Mall, said: “The stability and policy direction have created confidence among investors. When there is clarity and support from the Government, it becomes easier to inject capital into infrastructure projects. That confidence is what is driving this transformation in Chinhoyi.
“With continued support, we expect more shopping complexes, residential flats and service stations to come up. The potential for Chinhoyi to become a commercial hub for Mashonaland West is enormous.”
Chicken Slice marketing manager Ms Brenda Darare said she hoped the momentum would extend to industrial areas.
“We are hopeful this momentum will extend to industrial areas so that manufacturing and processing companies can also expand operations within the town,” she said.
Chinhoyi Municipality public relations manager Mr Tichaona Mlauzi said property owners were responding positively to Government’s call to implement the urban renewal and smart city concept.
“We continue to call upon property owners to spruce up their buildings, cognisant of the fact that the bulk of them were constructed decades ago. The urban renewal concept is really gaining traction, and we are encouraged by the positive response. Our vision is to align Chinhoyi with the smart city framework through modern infrastructure, improved aesthetics and enhanced service delivery,” he said.
Authorities say the transformation reflects growing local participation in development initiatives aligned with the national mantra, nyika inovakwa nevene vayo / ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.
