Second Republic prioritising economic development President Mnangagwa

Derick Tsimba Correspondent
Since the beginning of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term this year, Government has been undertaking developmental programmes for economic turnaround. The path Government has taken for Zimbabwe’s economy since taking the reins from former president Mugabe has had positive outcomes. Government has started the construction of a new city in Mt Hampden to decongest Harare and has embarked on electricity generation projects among other progressive projects.

At a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the New Parliament building last week, President Mnangagwa stated that the new city was going to contribute significantly to economic growth as Government is committed to increasing socio-economic development.

Construction of the New Parliament building shall result in the emergence of a new city. The city shall be a hub of economic development since it shall open up avenues for various trade opportunities for local and international investors.

Zimbabwe thus should be expected to have a world-class city under the Second Republic. The city shall boast of modern architectural designs that also incoperate the unique Zimbabwean culture and heritage, clean energy innovations and smart city concepts.

The new city to emerge around the New Parliament building has potential to be a hub of trade and commerce by attracting billions of dollars in investments.

The Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing has committed to completing the construction of the futuristic smart city. The construction of this futuristic city marks the country’s step towards ensuring that all local authorities adopt world-class standards when developing towns and construction of buildings in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Construction of the new city should be a turning point for the facelift of cities and towns across the country to world-class standards.

Construction of the New Parliament building shall be completed in 30 months and major Government structures should be completed within five years. The growth of the city shall be in stages — the construction of Government offices would subsequently be followed by opening up of banks, supermarkets and other businesses.

Government efforts to turn around the economy are clearly taking shape. The construction of the new city should result in the creation of employment. People shall be employed during and after construction in the various economic activities that will sprout up from this initiative by Government.

In line with this development, Government remains ahead on ensuring that electricity supply increases on the national grid. Urban expansion has led to an increased demand for electricity which at times results in power outages.

Recently Government assisted a local Zimbabwe-based company, LPC and Craft Properties (Pvt) Ltd, to secure a US$1,8 billion solar project from Austin, Texas, United States of America which shall see close to 300 megawatts being added to the national grid as well as employing over 4 000 people. The Government of Zimbabwe has been continuously supportive of the initiative to increase the supply of electricity on the national grid.

The founder and chief executive officer of Craft Properties (Pvt) Ltd, Mr Kudakwashe Taruberekera, said that his company had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Labacorp Power Company, and was pleased that the mega solar projects were going to be implemented in Zimbabwe marking the beginning of a crucial journey in Zimbabwe to alleviate the shortage of electricity.

Development of the country’s cities and towns requires a reliable supply of electricity, which has an important role for any nation’s economic development and prosperity, Zimbabwe is no exception. Zimbabwe, as a developing country, heavily relies on electricity for industries, agriculture, mining, manufacturing and other economic activities.

Government, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, has been very positive and it’s no surprise that US Ambassador Brian Nichols recently acknowledged that policies being implemented by the new administration were very positive. The Government of Zimbabwe has pledged to give full support when necessary for the success of projects that have a positive impact on the economy.

The President of Zimbabwe will also soon meet a seven-member delegation from China over the construction of the 2 200-megawatt Batoka hydro-power project. Through these developments, Zimbabwe will soon start exporting electricity and earning foreign currency which should contribute positively to the balance of trade that currently is in the negative.

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