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Walter Nyamukondiwa Kariba Bureau

The first block of the Siakobvu Government Complex on the road between Karoi and Binga is almost completed, with roofing and other final touches being the outstanding works.

The development is expected to ensure that Government departments can operate in rural Kariba so people do not have to travel to Kariba town and Karoi to get basic services such as birth and death registration. 

Construction on the three blocks started mid last year.

In an interview, Public Works director for Mashonaland West Engineer Trymore Mutizwa said: “The brickwork on the superstructure has been completed which means that all the basic works have been completed for the first phase. The only works that remain on the first phase covering one of the three blocks is roofing and other finishings to ensure that the first group of people are accommodated to provide services to the community.” 

Eng Mutizwa said procurement of dry wall partitioning was underway, with most of the finishing material already on site. 

However, the process is being hampered by the absence of electricity and water at the site.

In the second phase, two more blocks of offices would be built.

The project dovetails with the Government’s policy of not leaving anyone and any place behind in terms of development. 

Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka has previously said some district Government officials including doctors should be prepared to set up base in the remote part of Kariba district. 

The construction of the Government complex is part of a two-pronged development approach including tarring of the Karoi-Binga Road to promoting accessibility of the area. 

The Karoi-Binga Road project, which is now expected to see works by one team starting from Karoi towards Siakobvu and another team starting from Siakobvu towards Karoi.

Another team will start from Binga, moving towards Siakobvu as part of efforts to expedite the construction effort.