MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI-Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Owen Ncube has hailed the construction of the US$7.8 million Shurugwi shopping mall by the Mining Industry Pension Fund.
Ncube said this shows a commitment by the pension fund in the development of smart cities as part of the Vision 2030 by the government.
According to Ncube, the flagship project aligns with the New Dispensation’s vision under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
The Minister made these remarks on Wednesday during a tour of the project, which commenced in August 2022 and is expected to be completed by March 2025.
“The Shurugwi Mining Industry Pension Fund Shopping Mall illustrates the Second Republic’s commitment to growing the economy and improving the livelihoods of communities,” said Ncube.
The Minister commended the Mining Industry Pension Fund for its role in upholding the government’s innovation, modernization, and industrialization agenda through its investment in the real estate sector.
“The province applauds the Mining Industry Pension Fund for maintaining an indelible and impactful footprint in the real estate sector across all provinces, which resonates with the Second Republic’s broad-based and inclusive development mantra,” Ncube added.
Ncube also revealed that another shopping mall has been earmarked for Gokwe, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to economic development in the province.
He added that the shopping mall will positively impact the provincial economy by creating employment, facilitating skills and technology transfer, and stimulating upstream and downstream industries that support the mining, agriculture, construction, and tourism sectors.
The former State Security Minister urged local authorities to improve the ease of doing business and to expeditiously address infrastructure challenges, including the provision of vending stalls for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He also called on local authorities to adhere to town and regional planning regulations to ensure coordinated development.
