Story by Tamuka Charakupa
PROJECTS implemented by Zimbabwe and India under the Indo-Zim initiative are transforming lives in the Chimanimani district after the Asian country sourced modern equipment for a youth carpentry business venture.
25 Mutare Polytechnic students from Chimanimani are now producing quality furniture at their carpentry workshop after getting modern equipment from the government of India sourced through the Indo-Zim projects.
“We used to work manually but now work is easy and smooth since we received these modern machines,” said a student.
Another student said “We are now producing quality furniture which also means we are increasing our revenue. This has expanded our customer base ranging from Chimanimani and beyond.”
“The fact that we are enrolled without worrying about academic qualifications is also one benefit we have in Chimanimani because we are afforded a chance to obtain a professional qualification against all odds,” added another student.
Chimanimani East legislator, Honourable Joshua Sacco said the intervention speaks to the excellent relationships between Zimbabwe and India.
He said, “As Chimanimani we are delighted by the intervention by the Indian government as this development speaks highly of the positive relationship we share. Our community has been empowered to produce quality furniture and this is highly commendable given that we are a timber-producing company.”
Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Vijay Khanduja who was at the project site this Tuesday implored the community to maximise the opportunity to improve livelihoods.
“The Government of India has distributed similar machinery to 17 centres across the country. This is one such centre where I have witnessed firsthand the full utilisation of the machines towards promoting small and medium enterprises for the local community. This speaks to the positive relations between our two governments where we join hands to improve the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
Mutare Polytechnic has an enrollment of about 500 students in Chimanimani in various disciplines which include carpentry, welding, and brick laying among other practical subjects.
