Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
CONSTRUCTION and refurbishment of buildings in the Central Business District in cities and towns around Manicaland Province must now conform to the Smart City concept, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, has said.
Minister Mugadza said this while addressing delegates during the tour of newly constructed Eastridge and Central malls — both owned by prominent businessman, Mr Leonard Mukumba.
“We are pleased to have businessmen like Mr Mukumba who are ready to build magnificent buildings in the Central Business District. If you look at the materials used in the construction of these buildings, you will agree with me that this is state-of-the-art. This is what we encourage others to follow.
“Government is not going back on its determination to conform to the Smart City standards. This also dovetails into Vision 2020 that we have as a nation, as espoused by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa. I want to assure likeminded businessmen that Manicaland has more land or space for you to construct such beautiful buildings,” he said.
There are eight key elements that define a Smart City that include smart governance, smart building, smart healthcare, smart mobility, smart infrastructure, smart technology, smart energy and smart citizens.
Speaking during the same occasion, Mr Mukumba said he is geared to have more of his investments in Manicaland.
“Manicaland is my home, and charity begins at home, they say. I want to have more of my investments here at home. I will continue to do more in supporting Government’s Smart City concept.
“In fact, I am eager to have space to construct what could become the nation’s best mall where more than 200 people can secure employment, while entrepreneurs also find space to do their businesses,” he said.
Mr Mukumba said the high occupancy rate at the two malls is testimony of the affordable rentals that entrepreneurs in diverse business projects are being charged.
