shloboe boe
Patrick Chitumba, patrick.chitumba@chronicle.co.zw
THE Midlands Province recorded significant milestones in 2024, thanks to numerous life-changing projects commissioned by the Second Republic.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube, attributed the province’s success to the devolution and decentralisation agenda, which has facilitated substantial infrastructure development and service delivery improvements.
“Guided by the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, devolution funds have been disbursed to local authorities. These funds have enabled visible projects, including schools, clinics, roads, fire tenders, refuse collection equipment and borehole drilling equipment,” said Minister Ncube.
The establishment of e-passport offices in Gokwe South, Zvishavane and Gweru has extended essential services to areas beyond the Midlands Province, benefitting provinces such as Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Mashonaland West.
Additionally, the Gokwe South Nursing School has commenced operations, while commissions such as the National Peace and Reconciliation, Gender and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commissions have been decentralised to Midlands.
“The decentralisation of teacher recruitment and other public service grades has brought services closer to the people, enhancing efficiency. The Midlands Province, guided by the Second Republic’s mantra of Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa, igonamatirwa nevene vayo, has made significant contributions to SADC’s industrialisation agenda as it is the pinnacle of the country’s modernisation and industrialisation agenda,” said Minister Ncube.
The province has achieved the highest GDP growth rate in the country, standing at 10,9 percent. This growth is underpinned by major infrastructure projects, including the modernisation of the 43km Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe road to improve regional connectivity.
Minister Ncube said the commissioning of the Somabhula Optic Fibre network by President Mnangagwa marked a significant step towards digital economy integration and enhanced connectivity.
The Midlands Province is home to Africa’s largest iron and steel plant, the US$1,5 billion Dinson Manhize Steel Plant, which is now operational and expected to create over 10 000 jobs.
Minister Ncube also highlighted the establishment of the Ber-Pig Iron and Steel Company in Redcliff, which is investing US$50 million in a steel production plant and mineral beneficiation industrial park.
Private sector investments in chrome, lithium and gold production have elevated the province’s global market recognition. Plans are underway to establish a lithium beneficiation plant at Sandawana Mine in Mberengwa, with long-term prospects for lithium battery manufacturing.
In Gokwe, the province is setting up an oil-pressing plant using cottonseed as raw material and a cotton value chain industrial park to enhance value addition and reduce raw exports.
“The province is a major beneficiary of policies put in place by President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic. We have the Manhize Steel plant that is operating and is a major achievement for the province,” he said.
The Midlands Province surpassed its wheat production target, producing over 64 000 tonnes against a target of 41 000 tonnes. Productivity increased from five tonnes per hectare in the 2020/2021 season to 6,5 tonnes per hectare in 2023, the highest nationally.
Pack sheds were constructed at Insukamini Irrigation Scheme and Tongogara for value addition and agro-processing, with a combined investment of over US$520 000.
Other key investments in the province include Mafuro Mega Dairy Company’s US$5 million dairy venture with advanced technology, boosting annual milk production to 25,2 million litres, the introduction of heap leaching technology, which yield 100 kilogrammes of gold monthly, with total gold production by September 2023 reaching 2 111,25 kilogrammes, valued at over US$124 million.
The province recorded a tourism investment value of US$7 million in 2023, enhancing product offerings and increasing room capacity. The province conducted various youth and women empowerment programmes, including the Tourism Innovation Challenge, traditional cook-out competitions and mentoring projects.
“The Midlands Province remains a key contributor to the national industrialisation and modernisation agenda, guided by the mantra Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa, igonamatirwa nevene vayo,” said Minister Ncube.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
