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Conrad Mupesa–Mash West Bureau 

The new Mashonaland West provincial office building for the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) built by the Public Works Department in Chinhoyi, was commissioned recently with more offices scheduled for opening countrywide by December this year. 

The building, whose construction started in 2018 and gave employment to over 180 people from the area, is part of the creation of the sort of infrastructure that is in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vison 2030 and National Development Strategy (NDS-1). 

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, represented by his Deputy Barbara Rwodzi, said the establishment of the new office, which signifies total commitment to investing in assets was in the process of creating an enabling environment for promotion of sustainable use of natural resources and protection of the environment. 

“Our vision as a nation to be an upper-middle-class society by 2030, can only be achieved through among other things, infrastructural developments such as this office block. I’m convinced that the National Devolution, will result in the construction of more such offices across the country, not only by EMA, but by all key players in the national development agenda,” he said. 

He said the Government was concerned about the welfare of its workforce as witnessed by creating more conducive working environments to afford them judicious delivery of relevant services to the nation. 

“The Environmental Management Agency has also adopted this as part of best practice to provide good working conditions that are not dangerous, demeaning and dirty in line with the International Labour Organisation’s dictates.” 

Last year, President Mnangagwa commissioned the spacious complex Chinhoyi Provincial Court which has a High Court judge’s chambers and courtroom, adding value to Chinhoyi which eyes city status by 2030. EMA has completed and commissioned three district offices in Binga, Tsholotsho and Umzingwane and has offices under construction in Mvuma and Shurugwi in Midlands whose commissioning is scheduled for December. 

The new Chinhoyi offices will house provincial and Makonde district staff and, have room to accommodate other institutions on a lease. 

Chinhoyi Provincial Office Block was constructed with no external funding with all the resources coming from EMA’s coffers. 

The national environmental watchdog, was tasked to continuously regulate, monitor and promote sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection with precision to address biodiversity loss, land degradation and the effects of climate change. 

Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the new provincial office testifies Environment Ministry’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to environmental information and services by the people of Mashonaland West. 

“Let’s make use of this facility being bestowed on us to interact and exchange ideas as we fight pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate change. Improving the built environment and providing decent office infrastructure remains key to the devolution agenda,” she said. 

Chief Chundu, Senator Abel Mbasera, said the new building would help EMA earn rent so that they will able to fight environmental violations across the province. 

Prior to the commissioning, Deputy Minister Rwodzi and other delegates planted trees at the site in line with urban afforestation.