THE developmental trajectory adopted by the Second Republic, which has seen massive infrastructure projects being implemented across the country, is a major economic enabler as Zimbabwe accelerates its modernisation and industrialisation agenda.
The construction of roads, dams, power stations, water pipelines, airports, border posts, steel plants, and other key infrastructure, is a game changer which will spur economic growth and set Zimbabwe on a path to attaining an upper middle income status by 2030 as envisaged by Government.
So far, most of the projects are on course with a few delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and other logistical setbacks, but by and large the rebirth of Zimbabwe as an economic force is on track.
Infrastructure development stimulates activity in the economy and the Second Republic is on the correct path in embarking on projects that position the economy on a trajectory that leads to growth.
For instance, the construction of dams will feed irrigation agriculture which given the unpredictability of rain-fed agriculture and climate change, is the future. Dams are also being utilised for fish farming and other activities that benefit communities in their environs.
Communities around Tugwi-Mukosi dam in Masvingo and near Lake Mutirikwi are reaping the benefits of being close to massive water bodies. It’s only a matter of time before a greenbelt is established around rural communities in Masvingo province, spawning a rural industrialisation drive.
In Matabeleland North, another agrarian revolution in underway with the construction of Lake Gwayi-Shangani and a pipeline linking the dam to Bulawayo. When complete, it will be the third largest inland dam after Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi. A greenbelt is envisaged on the 252km stretch between the lake and Bulawayo with communities around Binga and Hwange also set to benefit when another 122km pipeline is constructed linking Lake Gwayi-Shangani and the Zambezi River.
In the meantime, when the dam is commissioned next year, villagers in Lupane, parts of Tsholotsho, Insuza, Umguza and nearby areas will benefit from irrigation schemes which will sprout along the pipeline to Bulawayo whose construction has begun.
Besides permanently resolving Bulawayo’s perennial water problems, the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project will lead to setting up of 10 000 hectares of irrigation projects for communities along the pipeline.
In addition, a 10MW hydro-electric power station will be established on site, powering schools, rural service centres and other infrastructure around the dam.
When we consider that the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project was first mooted in 1912, over a century ago, by the white colonial Government, the remarkable progress made to date where it is at 60 percent completion, is totally amazing given that it started a year ago.
Elsewhere, Government has embarked on a massive rehabilitation of its major power station, Hwange Thermal, to ensure that it meets the power needs of a rapidly developing economy.
The construction of Units 7 and 8 at Hwange, expected to add 600MW to the national grid, will ensure that the country adequately supplies its industry, mining sector, irrigation schemes, and other key sectors of the economy.
With increased capacity utilisation in the manufacturing sector, irrigation development, a growing mining sector, and increased productivity all round in the economy, Government predicts that by next year demand for electricity would have risen by about 400MW to an average peak demand of 2 000MW.
It is thus imperative for stakeholders in the energy sector to be proactive and ensure continuous development of power infrastructure in line with growing demand.
In this regard, we are delighted that players in the industry are responding positively to Government’s calls and complementing its efforts to grow the economy.
On Friday, President Mnangagwa officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of a US$48,1 million, 42km water pipeline to supply water to Hwange Power Station from the Zambezi River.
The pipeline will increase water supply to the power station from the current 3 500 cubic meters to 6 000 cubic meters per hour.
The project will be completed in March next year in time for the commissioning of Hwange Unit 8 and ensuring that the expanded power station is adequately supplied with water.
The President also commissioned a 5MW solar power plant at Cross Mabale, about 80 km outside Hwange, on the same day, providing a source of clean energy to the nation.
Being energy self-sufficient is key to achieving the goals of Government’s economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The involvement of other players other than Government in the electricity generation sector cannot be overemphasised. We are also pleased that the various infrastructure projects that Government has embarked on are coming together with the active participation of Zimbabweans.
True to the mantra, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ordinary people are appreciative of the projects at various stages of construction cross the length and breadth of Zimbabwe and have taken ownership of them.
We also take note of the role played by Zimbabwe’s all weather friends such as China and India in providing funding and technical expertise in some of the major projects.
Zimbabwe is indeed cruising full steam ahead with its drive to modernise its economy, rebuild its infrastructure and fulfil the wishes, dreams and aspirations of its people.
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