BUSINESS REPORTER
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said a sound infrastructure base is key for sustainable development, signalling government’s intentions to invest heavily in infrastructure projects in roads, water and energy to anchor growth.
Officiating at the 42nd Independence celebrations at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Monday, Mnangagwa said a sound infrastructure base was also key in enhancing Zimbabwe’s role towards regional connectivity and integration.
“The long awaited Gwayi-Shangani Dam, which was first conceptualised in 1912 and only constructed under the Second Republic, will be completed during the course of the year. The Dam will conclusively resolve the perennial water challenges of the City of Bulawayo as well as result in a vibrant agriculture sector in Matabeleland North to meet the needs of the province and vault export-led productivity, leveraging on Victoria Falls and Hwange Airports,” Mnangagwa said.
He said infrastructure development and expansion was being speeded up across all provinces.
“The Beitbridge-Masvingo-Harare road will be complete by year end, while road rehabilitation works are underway on the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road. Progress on the Nkayi-Bulawayo Road; Zvishavane- Rutenga Road and the Mberengwa-West Nicholson Road is commendable,” Mnangagwa said.
“The Harare-Guruve-Kanyemba road, the Harare-Nyamapanda highway and the Mbudzi Interchange in Harare have also reached notable milestones. Completion of the Chiredzi- Tanganda road as well as the Chivi-Mandamabwe Road has resulted in increased efficiency on those routes. The upgrading and modernisation of the R.G. Mugabe and J.M. Nkomo International Airports are on course, while the upgrade of the Buffalo Range Airport is complete.”
For the first time since 1980, this year’s main celebrations were held outside Harare. Mnangagwa said as per his administration’s promise the days of Harare “being “bambazonke” are now behind us”.
Mnangagwa said the passing of the Independence Flame through Makokoba Township, should serve as a remembrance and an honour to these suburbs as the belly that incubated political activism and ultimately, our freedom and independence.
“We equally pay homage to the many trade unionists and nationalists who launched their confrontation with the brutal white settler regime, from bases within other townships such as Pelandaba, Mzilikazi, Luveve, Mbare, Highfields, Sakubva, Mtapa and Mucheke. The nation is emboldened by their bravery and selfless sacrifices, and we promise never to forget the rich liberation heritage they left for us,” he said.
“As a diverse but one nation that is united under one National Flag; we reaffirm and reinforce our unity, love and harmony for one another and for our great country.
We refuse to be divided. The cords that bind us are much stronger than any differences which we may ever encounter.”
Mnangagwa said the agricultural sector has had mixed fortunes due to the impact of mid-season drought and recurrent tropical cyclones in some provinces, but hopes for an adequate harvest remain high.
He said the government has made adequate provisions to cater for the grain requirements of vulnerable households and communities.
All major political parties were represented at Monday’s celebrations.
