The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Province, Owen Ncube, has toured several NDS 2-compliant commercial buildings in Gweru, highlighting the role of local indigenous investors in driving infrastructure, economic growth, and job creation.
Among the projects visited was the Discovery Lodges and a Shopping Mall, owned by Peter Mahwendu, which is now 75 percent complete. The USD500 000 development comprises 24 rooms, including one executive suite and 14 luxury rooms, while the shopping mall will accommodate 10 SME shops. The Minister also visited the Glow Petroleum Complex, a USD4,5 million investment with a filling station and 10 shops.
During the tour, Minister Ncube expressed appreciation for local investors.
“It is indeed with a deep sense of appreciation that I tour Gweru, the City of Progress’s NDS 2 compliant commercial buildings constructed by local indigenous investors which underscores the New Dispensation’s mantra of Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa igonamatirwa nevene vayo,” he said.
The Minister said the developments reflect the Government’s vision for innovation and industrialisation.
“Today’s event showcases the Second Republic under the pragmatic and visionary leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa’s desire and commitment towards innovation, modernization and industrialization of the economy as we march towards attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030,” he said.
He further commended investors for transforming communities.
“I commend our investors for transforming community livelihoods through provision of massive infrastructure, skills development, job creation, technology transfer and growing the Midlands Provincial GDP anchored by mining, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, tourism,” he said.
The Minister also noted that Gweru’s developments follow similar exercises in Kwekwe.
“Following a similar exercise in Kwekwe on 19 January, 2026, … these milestone achievements realized during TSP, NDS 1 and accelerated under the NDS 2 Infrastructure Development and Housing Pillar, demonstrate commendable favourable investment climate created by the New Dispensation since its inception on 24 November, 2017, under the stewardship of His Excellency the President Cde E.D. Mnangagwa,” he said.
The tour highlighted projects including SCHEE-FET Properties Shopping Complex, L.T.J. Square, 7th Street Mall, Discovery Shopping Mall and Glow Petroleum Complex, showcasing the critical role of indigenous investors in driving economic growth and urban transformation.
