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Kudzai Chikiwa, Chronicle Reporter

BULAWAYO is open for business and investment in line with Government’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into a middle income economy by 2030, Bulawayo Metropolitan Provincial Minister of State Cde Judith Ncube has said.

Speaking at the commissioning of Egodini Mall Project Contact Centre last Friday, Cde Ncube said the beginning of construction of the mall is evidence that Bulawayo is supporting the revival of the nation’s economy.

In March, Bulawayo City Council handed over the Egodini to a South African contractor that won the tender to build the $60 million mall.

The project developer, Tearracotta Private Limited will today start registering job seekers and businesses that will participate in the implementation of the mega project after it commissioned the contact centre.

Cde Ncube said: “The development of the Egodini mall is in line with the country’s business mantra that ‘Zimbabwe is open for businesses.’ Indeed it is evident through this project that Bulawayo is open for business. I hold this project in esteem as it speaks to redevelopment of shared infrastructure.”

She said the opening of the mall will attract investments that will see the city regaining its pride of being the industrial hub thereby creating hope for people who have been struggling due to the prevailing high unemployment rate.

“If we say Bulawayo is open for business, we mean that the lost pride is brought back to the people. We are known as the industrial hub but this was slowly fading away due to economic constraints. Once completed, this mall will comprise of various businesses and sites affording the people of Bulawayo a unique shopping experience. As we do this we open up investment for the city and also create hope for the populace,” said Cde Ncube.

Cde Ncube commended Bulawayo city fathers for upholding Government’s policy of urban renewal as the Egodini Mall seeks to renew one of the city’s oldest suburbs Makokoba.

“It is also pleasing that this project is being done in the older parts of the city which is in line with Government’s policy for urban renewal. Urban renewal is being championed at ministerial level and I applaud the city for adopting this vision and ensuring that we change the face of Bulawayo. The vision for urban renewal in Bulawayo is from Lobengula Street going westwards covering areas such as Makokoba. We envision a 21st century city which will see a revamping of Bulawayo and our historic sites from Lobengula Street,” she said.

“Bulawayo is a city with statutory plans that provide guidance to development and these statutory requirements such as the master plan and local development plans have been the key in ensuring that this Egodini project takes place. The adherence to policy as a city through this development will benefit and increase business activities.”

Cde Ncube said the Egodini mall is a game changer in the public transport system, decongesting the city by clearing problematic sites.

She encouraged residents to cooperate with contractors and city fathers in getting the best results out of the project.

“It will also resultantly revive and facilitate the efficient running of the railway line and reviving the National Railways of Zimbabwe. The aim of the city of Bulawayo is to bring sanity as we cannot have a project of such magnitude and have chaos,” she said.

“I also encourage job seekers and sub-contractors alike to make use of this facility. As we wait, may we ensure that we keep the surroundings clean and desist from littering and vandalising our properties.

This is a project for Bulawayo province and it is being spearheaded by our local authority.

“Let us be ambassadors of the city of Bulawayo.” — @tamary98