Malindza shopping complex construction begins
MALINDZA – Businessman Roman Chowdhury has begun construction of his multi- million shopping complex in Malindza in the Lubombo Region.
The construction of the complex began last month and the businessman revealed that his dream is to make the place a destination for everyone travelling along the Manzini to Simunye road. The complex will be known as Elawini Shopping Complex.
He said his wish was for the complex to provide employment for the youth and people living around the Malindza Community. Chowdhury revealed that the Complex will have 10 units that will be leased to big companies that will bring services closer to the people in the area.
“Though I cannot give you the exact figure of how much the complex will cost in construction but I can safely say it will be millions and the intention is to make it even more relevant to the people of the area as much as it will be for everyone travelling past the center” he said.
Chowdhury highlighted that he was open for talks with those who might want to rent the units for business purposes.
“The complex is situated at a very prime area and any brand that might want to get space its better to start now because the intention is to finish this complex in record time so that people can start benefiting from it” ( sic) he added.
The businessman further mentioned that the complex will have supermarkets, and mobile companies within.
“The intention is to make sure that everything the people need iswithin the complex and we have made sure that we bring all the essential services because we have noticed how people in the area are suffering” he said.
ELABORATED
Chowdhury elaborated that within the complex he has also made provision for the banking sector and will have ATMs installed and a chemist.
He also stated that to live true to the name of the complex, Lilawu, they will be building 13 accommodation units behind the Complex so that people could sleep after the long travel. He said they would ensure that the guests are catered for properly in the accommodation which would be for rental.
“Malindza is close to Sikhuphe International Airport and therefore whatever we build will be the first impression for the country. People must be able to catch up after a flight and also find everything they need at Elawini Complex” he said.
He said the development plan for the place was bigger and bolder and they would be unpacking it along the way because they were aiming at giving people a complete experience.
Chowdhury also mentioned that the construction of the Complex was bittersweet since some of their shops in Hlathikhulu, Nhlangano and Piggs Peak were vandalized and burnt down during the political unrest.
He said they were continuing with the construction because they made a commitment to the business and the people of Malindza that they would be building the complex.
He stated that the burnt properties would affect the progress of the project because right now they had to simultaneously rebuild the other businesses.
EXCITED
“Though we are excited about the work that is being done here, we also wish we were doing it under different circumstances because as we speak some of our shops were looted, vandalised and burnt during the protests. We lost a lot of money in material yet we still want to finish this project as promised to the people of the area” said Chowdhury.
Businessman Chowdhury is well known as the owner of Sigeja Curios which one of the shops that will open at the new Elawini Shopping Complex. He also runs Tandoori eateries which is he also highlighted that it might feature in branch at Elawini Shopping Complex.
“We will not own the shops, even if we take some of the franchises from the shops we have, they will also be renting because we are looking at the longevity of the business model we bring for the people of Malindza” he said.
Chowdhury said the Complex would cater also for cultural and fine arts businesses that would love to open in Malindza.
He said the reason they opted for a traditional name for the Complex was to accommodate the cultural aura of the area.