Signature projects transform Matabeleland

THE Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa has completed more than 1 121 out of 1 699 projects in Matabeleland region, with the outstanding ones set to be completed.

One of the signature projects, Lake Gwayi-Shangani, whose major aim is to end perennial water challenges bedevilling Bulawayo and turn Matabeleland North province into a green belt, providing employment and food security to many families, is over 70 percent complete.

In that province, the Second Republic has established Hwange Teachers’ College and Binga Vocational Training Centre.

There is also now piped water at Mkhombo, Jotsholo sub-office, Dingani and Tiki clinics.

Chief Justice Luke Malaba commissioned the Lupane Magistrates Court in September last year. The premises has two courtrooms, chambers and several offices as well as well-ventilated prison holding cells building, waiting shed and ablution facilities.

There is also the Welshman Mabhena Government Complex where Government departments that have all along been operating from Mhlahlandlela building in Bulawayo have since been allocated offices and senior civil servants will soon be relocating to the province.

The Hwange Power Station expansion project that already has seen Unit 7 feeding 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid will soon be followed by Unit 8 of the same capacity.

The infrastructural development in the province has not only left lasting legacies, but also saw the creation of employment and transforming lives of the ordinary people.

In Matabeleland South, President Mnangagwa’s administration has completed at least 523 projects out of 800, with 277 set to be completed soon.

A five-megawatt solar plant was established at Richsaw in Gwanda district and a mopani worm processing plant was established at the border town of Beitbridge as well as the rolling out of the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) schools project. Ntepe-Manama community radio station is now in full operation.

In 2018, President Mnangagwa presided over the groundbreaking ceremony at Beitbridge Border Post’s revamping at a cost of US$300 million. He officially commissioned the facility in August last year.

In Bulawayo Province, the administration set up 230 projects with 167 of those projects completed. A new plant at Treger Group was installed and is now fully operational while a soft drink plant was also installed at Arenel.

The Thorngrove Infectious Diseases Hospital was rehabilitated and 10 community information centres established. ◆ Full story on www.herald.co.zw