Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu-Herald Correspondent
Nembudziya in Gokwe North is getting the district’s first-ever state-of-the-art double-storey mall in a development by local businessperson and Gokwe-Kabuyuni Constituency legislator Cde Spencer Tshuma.
The ambitious project, situated in Gokwe North, aims to contribute to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 by elevating the living standards in rural communities.
Construction started in the last quarter of last year and is nearing completion, with only finishing touches such as paving, tiling, and painting remaining.
In an interview, Cde Tshuma outlined his vision for the project, highlighting its pivotal role in bridging the gap between rural and urban lifestyles by bringing modern amenities and convenience to the people of Gokwe.
“The target is to bring about change in Gokwe and bring urban standards to rural areas,” he said.
A key feature of the mall will be the inclusion of a bank branch, a first for Nembudziya, significantly enhancing access to essential financial services for the local community.
This will be the second bank in the area, after the CBZ Bank branch. Cde Tshuma confirmed that both AFC Bank and ZB Bank have expressed strong interest in establishing a presence within the new mall. A final decision on which bank will occupy the space will be made before the mall officially opens its doors.
“The building is now 90 percent complete; what’s left is just beautifying the place. We are determined to make it a fully inclusive shopping mall, where various services will be provided, and products usually found in urban areas will be sold at affordable prices, with us controlling the prices,” he said.
The inclusion of a bank within the mall is expected to significantly benefit the community, particularly by streamlining school fee payments for parents. Residents will no longer be burdened with the inconvenience of traveling to urban centres to pay school fees and access other essential banking services.
“The bank will make it easier for parents to pay fees and for residents to send and receive money without travelling long distances,” he said.
In addition to the Nembudziya project, Cde Tshuma is now turning his attention to another ambitious undertaking: a major development project in Kadoma.
“We are phasing out the Nembudziya project, as we are starting another important project in Kadoma, because to us it’s complete,” he said.
ZANU PF Midlands provincial chairperson, Cde Edson Chakanyuka Chiherenge, commended Cde Tshuma for his remarkable contribution to the development of Gokwe North, particularly highlighting his visionary leadership in driving these significant projects.
“Honourable Tshuma’s work is setting Gokwe North on the map. His projects are attracting the youth to love Gokwe and are providing much-needed employment for the youth,” he said.
