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Shuvai Mahofa

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd and Masvingo City Council have signed a $60 million memorandum of understanding (Mou) for the upgrading of a sewage plant and the water reticulation system.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the civic centre in Masvingo yesterday, Minister of State for provincial affairs Shuvai Mahofa said the MoU sets the tone for the fulfilment of the country’s blueprint ZimAsset and urged local authorities to embrace the concept of public private partnerships.

She said the upgrading of the sewage and water reticulation system will add value to infrastructural development in the city as it gives room to build many houses thereby reduce the housing backlog.

“We are happy that this Mou marks a long lasting relationship that our local authority and the Chinese company have in developing the sewage and water reticulation system. These PPPs will go a long way in addressing many developmental gaps for local authorities.

“It is in line with our economic blueprint ZimAsset especially in areas of infrastructure and sanitation,” said Minister Mahofa.

City chief engineer Tawanda Gozo said under the MoU, council is expected to make a financial and technical proposal to CAMC for the sewage upgrading project.

He said the $60 million facility is already under utilisation and council is in the process of preparing acquittals.

“We have received the $60 million already and the same company has again asked us to provide them with the technical and financial draft on the sewage upgrading project,” said Gozo.

“After assessing the draft we will then apply for borrowing powers to our parent Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development will receive the money on behalf of government and we will borrow from them.”

He said the council has been getting 21 megalitres of clean water pumped from the system and they are looking forward to doubling the capacity after the upgrading.

CAMC spokesperson and engineer Wang Kailong said his company is committed to investing in Zimbabwe.

“We are committed to investing in water and sewage reticulation. We will provide Masvingo council with both financial and technical areas where we will transfer knowledge,” said Wang.