Story By Tapiwa Machemedze
ONCE regarded as a quiet satellite district along the Harare-Kanyemba Highway, Mazowe is now rapidly transforming into a modern commercial hub, with new infrastructure reshaping its economic and social outlook.
The latest milestone is Mazowe Walk, a state-of-the-art shopping mall that has already injected fresh vibrancy into the district, creating jobs, boosting business confidence, and improving convenience for travellers and residents alike.
The completion of the mall’s first phase has been met with enthusiasm from the community, which views the project as a direct contribution to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
“We are happy with developments happening in this region, especially this building. It’s big, state-of-the-art, and will create jobs while giving the area a facelift in line with Vision 2030,” said local resident Lloyd Mukonyo.
Other residents echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the project is providing employment and convenience to motorists and travellers.
For the past two years, the construction of Mazowe Walk has created opportunities for locals to gain new skills and improve their livelihoods.
“I have been working with Gateway Construction for two years. I learnt new systems like operating a dumper and placing pavers, and I even managed to buy a stand in Chiweshe,” said one worker.
“I now operate a concrete mixer here in Mazowe and have learnt about safety and technical skills in the process,” another added.
The public–private partnership behind Mazowe Walk brought together the Mazowe Rural District Council (land contribution), Fidelity Asset Management (financiers), and Gateway Construction (construction and project management).
Gateway Construction’s Head of Marketing, Panashe Kakono, said the success of phase one had paved the way for the remaining two phases, with tenants already moving in.
Mazowe RDC Chairperson, Alderman John Mudzonga, said the project was aligned with the district’s development vision and the President’s call to ensure that “no place is left behind”.
“Mazowe is near Harare and the new city, so our standards must match that. The money from Mazowe must be retained locally through such developments,” he said.
The development also complements the Mazowe Road Dualisation Project, which is expected to increase inflows into the town and further cement its role as the gateway to Mashonaland Central Province.
With Mazowe Walk now open, plans are already underway to formalise surrounding informal activities, signalling continued urbanisation and growth for the district.
