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Peter Matika
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Tremendous progress has been registered in the implementation of infrastructure projects being undertaken by Government in Matabeleland region, with Cabinet directing that more resources be allocated to the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project that is now slightly over 70 percent complete.

In a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa also gave progress reports on other projects countrywide. She said Lake Gwayi-Shangani is now 70,2 percent complete.

“In view of the importance of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam in ending the water supply challenges facing Bulawayo Metropolitan as well as Matabeleland North and South Provinces, Cabinet has directed that more resources be availed in order to expedite completion of construction works,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The minister said the construction of the Gwanda State University Mining Laboratory and Innovation Complex in Matabeleland South Province is now 85 percent complete. She said the project will improve the country’s capabilities in exploration and mineral beneficiation.

“The establishment of the Lupane State University Bingwa Wildlife and Ecotourism Innovation Park in Matabeleland North province is now 60 percent complete. The project will improve hands-on training and eco-tourism management and facilitate industrialisation of the sector,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She said the National University of Science and Technology Tech-Innovation Centre is now 85 percent complete.

“The centre will be the icon of innovation in Zimbabwe’s industrialization programme,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She also said the establishment of a Migrant Resource Centre in Bulawayo is in full swing, while the upgrading of school infrastructure across provinces is now 81 percent complete.

“Some of the projects include Luwande Primary in Matabeleland South, in partnership with development partners and Cowdray Park Primary in Bulawayo. Government is supporting the programme through resources from Devolution funds, and has taken over the responsibility for ECD infrastructure provision from parents,” said the Minister.

“The construction and conversion of laboratories has reached 76 percent and work is in progress at Valukhalo Secondary in Mangwe District in Matabeleland South and Gogo High School in Lupane District in Matabeleland North, where the construction of a 32-bed girls’ hostel and solar electrification of the facility at Fatima High School has reached 35 percent of completion, while the electrification is at 75 percent. Government and development partners are collaborating on the project.”

Minister Mutvsangwa noted that free WiFi facilities had been installed at Cowdray Park Primary School in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province.

“The construction of a Community Meeting Shed by Zimparks has been completed for Mbire District in Mashonaland Central Province, while resource mobilisation is underway for similar projects for Tsholotsho, Hwange and Binga Districts of Matabeleland North Province; Beitbridge in Matabeleland South Province; and Kariba,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.