Government has emphasised the urgent need to complete major infrastructure and economic projects in Matabeleland North, following a comprehensive tour of the province by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga earlier this month.
This was revealed today by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, during the Post-Cabinet Briefing in Harare.
Muswere said the Vice President’s tour covered critical projects across energy, agriculture, mining, agro-processing, wildlife management and health, all earmarked to drive rural industrialisation and improve livelihoods under the Rural Development 8.0 model.
“Cabinet received a detailed report on the Vice President’s tour of strategic projects in Matabeleland North.
His mission was to ascertain progress, address bottlenecks and ensure swift completion so that these investments deliver real socio-economic impact,” he added.
He said the Vice President’s delegation inspected some of the country’s most significant ongoing projects, including Hwange Colliery Company Limited, Zhong Jin Heli Energy Power Station, Kamativi Lithium Mine, and the Gwayi-Shangani Dam construction site in Hwange District.
“These projects are pivotal to our national energy security, industrial growth and water supply systems. The Vice President highlighted the need for accelerated implementation and tighter coordination among stakeholders,” Muswere said.
In Binga District, Dr Chiwenga toured the Bhulaayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme, where Government is pushing to boost food production and climate-proof agriculture through modern irrigation technologies.
In Lupane, he assessed progress at the long-awaited Lupane Provincial Hospital, which Muswere said remains a priority for expanding specialised healthcare services in the province.
Muswere added that the tour also covered the Dollar Block Wildlife Sanctuary in Bubi District and National Foods Holdings in Bulawayo, reflecting Government’s whole-of-economy approach to development.
“The Vice President reiterated the importance of maximum utilisation of natural resources to enhance food security, support employment creation and drive rural industrialisation.
He emphasised that our vision is a strong, agro-based economy anchored on value addition and beneficiation,” he said.
According to Muswere, the Vice President also underscored the need for beneficiation of mineral resources to ensure communities derive maximum benefit.
“He made it clear that minerals should not leave our soil without value addition. The country must benefit fully from its natural endowments, and this is a key pillar of the projects he toured,” Muswere said.
Cabinet said all responsible ministries have been directed to expedite completion timelines and remove any obstacles slowing progress.
