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Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Toshiyuki Iwado (centre) unveils some of the drums of bitumen putty, cutback bitumen and cationic emulsion while flanked by Mashonaland West Minister of State Cde Webster Shamu (right) and Minister of Transport and infrastructural Development Dr Joram Gumbo

Blessings Chidakwa Mashonaland West Correspondent
THE Government of Japan yesterday handed over $5,5 million worth of road rehabilitation equipment to Zimbabwe, as the Asian country continues to fulfil promises it made when President Mugabe visited last year. Japan donated 4 744 tonnes of bitumen putty, 1 164 tonnes of cutback bitumen and 1 446 metric tonnes of cationic emulsion valued at $5 503 894.

After handing over the material to Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo in Chinhoyi yesterday, Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Toshiyuki Iwado said the donation was part of his country’s top priority agreements made when President Mugabe visited Japan in March last year.

“In every interview I have had since my arrival in the country, I have stressed that my top priority was to follow up on the joint statement signed by our two leaders, Prime Minister Abe and President Mugabe, in Tokyo in March last year, when your President visited our country at the invitation of the government of Japan,” he said.

“The joint statement specifically mentioned this US$6 million social development co-operation. As ambassador representing this beloved country, I am delighted to be part of this co-operation project included in the joint statement and further promoting existing friendship between our two countries.” Mr Iwado said there was need for teamwork in order to implement the road rehabilitation programme effectively. In response, Dr Gumbo said the donation came at a time when Government had dispatched a team from his ministry to Japan for a special training programme on road construction and maintenance.

“As we are gathered here today, some of our personnel from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development are undergoing technical training programmes in Japan,” he said.

“This enables us to improve our construction and maintenance programmes by continuous improvement of our staff.” Dr Gumbo lauded the Japanese government for giving a hand towards the construction of climbing lanes and widening of Makuti-Hellsgate section along the Harare-Chirundu Highway.

“Your Excellency, Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, we are also receiving technical assistance from your government in the construction of 12,5 kilometres climbing lanes and widening of Makuti-Hellsgate section along the Harare-Chirundu Highway,” he said. Dr Gumbo said the Government of Zimbabwe was indebted with the support rendered by the Japanese and it was committed to continue having the cordial relations.

“The Government of Zimbabwe expresses gratitude to the Japanese government for their generous assistance,” he said.
“As Zimbabwe, we hope to continue working together with our Japanese counterparts in the development of infrastructure in Zimbabwe.” President Mugabe in March last year went on a State visit to Japan to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.