Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE government has commended the private sector for supporting infrastructure developmental projects that foster urban renewal programmes.
Chegutu town is set for massive infrastructure facelift as a local investor is rolling out a US$3.5 million investment project towards construction of a multipurpose business complex.
“This place had turned into a hub of criminal activities such as mugging and rape due to its idle state. We are excited to be witnessing a development that adds colour to our infrastructure outlook,” said a resident who spoke to the ZBC News crew.
“At some time, a renowned supermarket failed to open a branch in Chegutu because they could not find a suitable complex to settle. Therefore, the completion of this mall not only attracts investment, but also creates employment for the local community,” said another resident.
“We want to thank the investor for rehabilitating our public pool which was constructed in 1945. It’s part of our identity as a town, and we are excited to be re-living this institutional memory,” weighed in another.
The complex, which sits on a 4 000 square metres piece of land, is being built under a 25-year build-operate and transfer arrangement.
“As Chegutu Town Council, we welcome this public private partnership because it presents a win-win situation. It feeds into the vision of the government of attaining an upper-middle income society by 2030.
“After 25 years, the facility will be owned by the Council, and this adds to its revenue base,” Chegutu Town Council Mayor, Mr Rydes Machekera said.
“This is a US$3,5 million investment which we are proud of as a local company. Our President speaks of local investment in building our own country, and with the support we are getting, we look forward to be putting in more works in infrastructure development,” said Addarcon chief executive officer, Mr Demand Gwatinetsa.
The Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, who toured the facility recently, hailed locals for taking up President Mnangagwa’s challenge for everyone to step up and be agents for the country’s development.
“I am impressed by this development mainly because it is being implemented by a local investor. This speaks volumes in terms of heeding the call by the President that ‘Nyika Inovakwa ne Vene Vayo’. As government, we are forging ahead with the urban renewal concept, and we continue to invite the private sector to chip in and complement our efforts as we journey together towards Vision 2030.”
The government is currently implementing the Urban Renewal Project, which aims to modernise old and run-down suburbs into smart cities in line Vision 2030.
