PPP MODEL TO PROMOTE INVESTMENT - MUTATI

By BUSINESS REPORTER

THE redevelopment of five government properties will promote the public private partnership model of investment and create the much-needed employment, Works and Supply Minister Felix Mutati has said.

The minister said works are underway to do a feasibility study on the level of investment required and the recommended properties that can be developed at each of the sites.

Mr Mutati was speaking when he featured on ZNBC’s Sunday interview on Sunday evening.

“After the recently conducted market sounding received positive response. Technocrats are conducting a feasibility study after which we will call for expression of interest and investors will be given chance to bid.

“The time frame that we have given ourselves is that we must reach the point of expression of interest within a period of three months and after that it will be evaluation, negotiations then the awarding of the contract,” he said. He said government has had a challenge in maintaining properties but that the ministry was looking at ways to ensure high level of maintenance.

Mr Mutati said collaborating with the private sector was one way the government hoped to maintain infrastructure adding that this would help in bringing value to government properties.

“The response we are getting from the private sector is positive and instead of listening to negative remarks from the public we have opted to concentrate on things that are going to grow the economy and bring development in the country.

“Government is not selling property we will just partner with the private sector and construct office space which will be shared and host some government offices while the private sector will use the other part to earn a return on their investment,” he said.