MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI — Shurugwi is set for accelerated socio-economic development after Chenxi Investments unveiled a US$2 million corporate social investment programme targeting infrastructure, healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture and youth empowerment.
The investment was announced yesterday during the handover of the first batch of solar-powered street lights to Shurugwi Town Council and the commissioning of a $45 000 bus for Shurugwi Football Club.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said the programme includes the construction of a community dam, expansion and furnishing of Shurugwi District Hospital, construction of doctors and nurses accommodation, establishment of a market centre and development of village business units.
He said the projects highlighted the private sector’s role in complementing Government efforts to improve service delivery and promote inclusive development.
Chenxi Investments director Simon Karimanzira said the company had grown from a single mining operation in 2022 to six operational sites employing about 1 800 people.
“We are not merely a mining house conducting business in this district; we are part and parcel of the Shurugwi community. Our employees live here, our suppliers operate here and our future is closely connected to the future of this town,” Karimanzira said.
He said the company was also developing what is expected to be one of the Midlands’ largest carbon-in-pulp gold processing plants, with capacity to process between 3 000 and 4 000 tonnes of ore daily.
The project is expected to create up to 3 000 direct and indirect jobs.
Karimanzira said Chenxi was preparing to commission an 11-megawatt solar power plant and was exploring the installation of solar systems at schools, clinics and hospitals to expand access to clean energy.
He added that the company was investing in environmental rehabilitation through land reclamation, tree planting and ecological restoration, while contributing more than US$200 000 annually in development levies and statutory payments to Shurugwi Town Council.
Meanwhile, Minister Ncube urged other mining companies to emulate Chenxi Investments by investing in community infrastructure and empowerment initiatives, saying stronger partnerships between Government and the private sector were essential for sustainable national development.
