Story by Tafara Chikumira, Midlands Bureau Chief
SHURUGWI’s biggest shopping mall is almost complete and contractors are confident the complex will open its doors to the public before the end of the first quarter of the year.
The shopping mall, which is being constructed at a cost of US$8 million, is in line with the Second Republic’s urban renewal and smart city concept.
The Shurugwi Town Council says the shopping mall is in line with the town’s expansion drive as the country gravitates towards Vision 2030.
“As a council, our target is to reach a municipality status by 2030. We see the partnership with MIPF being a step in the right direction as we intend to attain our target.
“Some of the major aspects to be considered for a full municipality status are issues to do with infrastructure and we intend to have more of such facilities. The issue of revenue collection is set to increase with business at this centre,” councillor Fanuel Machiya said.
The Shurugwi community is equally excited about the prospects that lie ahead.
The government commended development projects in the mining town of Shurugwi saying they dovetail with the government’s industrialisation and re-industrialisation efforts.
“The Midlands Province applauds the new dispensation for implementing the devolution and decentralisation agenda which has empowered communities and Local Authorities to determine and invigorate Provincial GDP growth,” said Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube.
“In addition, the Province commends the Mining Industry Pensions Fund for upholding the Second Republic’s under the leadership of His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s innovation, modernisation, and industrialisation trajectory by leading and maintaining an indelible impactful footprint in the real estate sector covering all Provinces which resonates with the Second Republic’s broad-based and inclusive development mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.”
The completion of Shurugwi’s biggest shopping mall will culminate in the construction of a similar complex in Gokwe as the private sector continues to partner with local authorities in its expansion drive.
