President Mnangagwa Commissions $37.7m Midlands Park Development in Zvishavane

President Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned the multimillion-dollar Midlands Park Development in Zvishavane, describing the project as a milestone in Zimbabwe’s drive towards modernisation and equitable development.

Speaking at the official opening, the President hailed the project—funded by the Public Service Pension Fund—as a symbol of unity, prudent resource use, and the Second Republic’s commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life.

“The commissioning of these state-of-the-art accommodation facilities stands as a symbol of what we can achieve working together as a united and peace-loving people towards the modernisation of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.

The US$37.7 million mixed-use housing and student accommodation project was completed within 18 months, having commenced in March 2024. It will directly benefit more than 300 families and 750 students, while also stimulating the local economy through over 3,000 job opportunities.

President Mnangagwa emphasised that the development was not only about housing provision but also reflected his administration’s broader vision.

“This Zvishavane Midlands Park project goes beyond the provision of housing and embodies the spirit of patriotism and our collective determination. It further encapsulates the bold choices being made by my administration, under the National Development Strategy, to realise equitable, people-centred development that leaves no one and no place behind,” he said.

He added that the project demonstrated how disciplined execution of Government policy could deliver tangible results.

“Having commenced works in March 2024 and reaching completion within the set timeframe, the Public Service Pension Fund, and its partners have shown that purposeful execution of national assignments is critically important to accelerate development. This is the standard and work ethic we must uphold across all our public sector entities,” said the President.

The President noted that the development had spillover benefits for the local community, including improved water, sanitation and road infrastructure.

He also pointed to the transfer of skills to youth and women, as well as enhanced livelihoods for those employed during construction.

“Our forefathers built the imposing Great Zimbabwe, we, the current generation are building, modernising and industrialising our motherland, brick by brick, stone upon stone and step by step,” President Mnangagwa said, urging Zimbabweans to maintain the momentum.

He commended the Public Service Pension Fund for growing from a seed capital of US$4.5 million to a current portfolio of about US$650 million, with investments spanning renewable energy, industrial warehousing, tourism and student housing.

He described it as “a self-sustaining development financing model” that could be emulated by other state enterprises and local authorities.

President Mnangagwa also underscored the Fund’s dual responsibility of providing both infrastructure and social security.

“It must ensure that our pensioners, who have served this nation with dedication, receive a dignified and sustainable income in retirement,” he said.

Students who spoke to this publication welcomed the development, describing the modern facilities as a boost to their studies and well-being.

One student. Itai Mutero, said the accommodation had given young people “dignity and peace of mind” as they focus on education.

With the Zvishavane Midlands Park project now complete, President Mnangagwa said the achievement must serve as a model for other public sector institutions and a reminder of the “irreversible journey” towards Vision 2030.