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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A prominent Bulawayo industrialist has praised the Government’s economic blueprint, the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and spelt the need for national support if the policy is to transform the economy.

In an interview, Mr Charles Charamba of M&C Engineering said Government did a good job by introducing TSP which offers strategies to resuscitate industries.

He said the policy has instilled order in the economy and brought some incentives for manufacturers. “We are now enjoying rebate on capital equipment we get from outside the country and that shows that the Government promotes the growth of industries.

“What is only needed is consistency where policies are not changed overnight. The TSP has spoken to the reduction of duty on raw materials and scrapping of the same on all Information Communication Technology (ICT) material,” he said.

Mr Charamba, whose company specialises in civil engineering works and services in all the 10 provinces, said the future was looking bright for his company given the supportive environment created by the Government.

“We are prospering as a company because of our competitive prices and we do all technical works for anyone from companies down to individuals.

“Under TSP, all registered importers get preference on foreign currency allocation and that gives us an advantage,” he said.

Mr Charamba, however, said the impending introduction of notes and coins in the economy was premature.

“In my own opinion, we are not yet ready for the introduction of notes and coins, but it might be the best way of managing our own economy.

“I believe that we should ring-fence the notes and coins to ensure that their value is preserved.

“As it is traders in the parallel market are taking positions and ready to pounce as the new notes and coins are introduced. Let us have fundamentals in place first before we introduce the notes and coins,” he said.

Turning to Masvingo’s potential, Mr Charamba said the province could be a green belt.

“Given the abundance of water, Masvingo has potential to contribute immensely to the GDP of the nation. We have Tugwi-Mukosi where a number of businesses can be established, ranging from tourism, wildlife, agriculture and retail. Once the master plan is availed, we will definitely attract the much needed foreign direct investment,” he said.