Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
MASHONALAND Central Province showcased progress across key sectors during a media tour on Wednesday, highlighting development projects contributing to the attainment of Vision 2030.
Led by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, the tour visited projects spanning mining, manufacturing, education and healthcare.
The first stop was Panvert Agriculture’s lime-producing factory, which employs about 144 people.
Panvert Chief Executive Officer Mr Kudzai Mugwira, said the company diversified into lime production after initially operating as a transport and logistics business.
“We started as a transport and logistics company and when the people we supplied transport to closed, we ventured into lime production. We are producing about 3 560 kilograms of lime.”
The delegation also toured the construction of a 352-bed boys’ hostel at Bindura University of Science Education, a government-funded project expected to complement an existing women’s hostel and dining facility.
Director of Works at the university, Mr Felix Kamutando said the project was progressing as planned.
“We have already done the girls’ hostel and dining, and we are in the last phase of the project. Initially, it was just one project, so we broke it down so that it is more manageable. Our target is to reach 60 percent completion by December this year.”
Healthcare development also featured prominently, with the tour visiting Muyambuka Clinic, which was constructed through the Devolution Fund and opened in 2024.
The facility serves a catchment area of about 5 000 people, significantly reducing travel distances for patients seeking medical care.
Registered General Nurse, Sister Promise Madondo said the clinic has improved access to healthcare in the area.
“We cover a large area and we have many patients, including maternal patients, children and general patients. This is a mining area, so it is prone to malaria. We can have about 50 cases per year.”
Community members said the clinic had eased access to health services, eliminating the need to travel long distances to seek treatment.
The media tour also highlighted public-private partnerships at Zvitokwe Primary School in Shamva, which was built by Canterbury Mining Company to support government efforts to expand access to education.
Company secretary Mr Samuel Rusike said the investment reflected the company’s commitment to inclusive development.
“Our company started with Dutch investors who heeded the call by the President that Zimbabwe is open for business. We realised that we must have inclusive growth; that is why we started this school project.”
Mr Mangwana commended private sector participation in community development.
“The approach that was taken here is commendable. The Legislator for Shamva realised that companies that operate in this area should plough back into the community and the investors who came here responded by investing.”
Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary, Mr Timothy Maregere said the completed and ongoing projects reflected the province’s contribution towards Vision 2030.
“This visit is an opportunity to showcase tangible developmental gains being reloaded under President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
He said investments in mining, agriculture, health and education continue to drive the province’s socio-economic transformation.
