By Rex Mphisa
MORE than 1 000 housing units have been proposed by a mining entity and are earmarked for Gwanda Rural at Mvana, in what may perhaps become a giant step towards rural urbanisation the Government is encouraging.
At tye centre of this proposal is the Caledonia Mining Corporation who executive has met with Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe to present their vision.
The housing initiative at Mvana is part of a greater socio-economic transformation of Matabeleland South through ambitious programmes of community development, infrastructure investment and employee welfare initiatives.
In his update of activities in the province Nguluvhe said he had a meeting with officials from Caledonia Mining Cooperation who run Blanket Mine, a gold concern.
“Caledonia Mining Corporation’s Blanket Mine has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the socio-economic transformation of Matabeleland South through an ambitious programme of community development, infrastructure investment and employee welfare initiatives, following a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe,” said the update.
“The centrepiece of the meeting, however, was the proposed development of approximately 1,000 housing units at Mvana along the Gwanda–Maphisa Road. The project seeks to address accommodation shortages currently experienced at the mine compound while creating a modern residential settlement for employees,” it said.
The mine had already engaged the Gwanda Rural District Council and the Ministry of Lands for suitable land for the massive project with a joint inspection of the proposed site having already been completed.
“The company is now engaging financial institutions to mobilise funding for the development, with the mine serving as the offtaker for the project. Once completed, employees will be transported daily between the new residential area and Blanket Mine,” it said.
Nguluvhe described the housing project as a transformative investment capable of accelerating the province’s development while stimulating broader economic growth.
He said provincial development is a shared responsibility, and meaningful progress can only be achieved through collaboration between Government, the private sector and local communities.
Developments of this magnitude should be accompanied by essential social infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, sanitation systems and other public amenities necessary to create sustainable and vibrant communities, he said.
Already Nguluvhe has successfully approached President Emmerson Mnangagwa and secured funding for more than 40 science laboratories for schools in Matabeleland South as part of what Government terms “legacy projects”.
Previously Matabeleland South lagged behind in STEM education.
Nguluvhe, in relation to Caledonia development said local businesses and small-to-medium enterprises should be integrated into the project’s supply chains, thereby maximising economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Caledonia Mining Cooperation was also running an artificial insemination initiative designed to improve livestock quality and strengthen the district’s agricultural sector.
The programme, being implemented in partnership with the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, will initially benefit farmers in Wards 1 and 2 under Chiefs Masuku and Mathema.
“Following extensive consultations with stakeholders, seven dip tanks have been identified for rehabilitation, while beneficiary farmers are scheduled to undergo specialised training ahead of the programme’s anticipated rollout in August 2026,” said the update.
The mine will also engage in activities for food security investment by establishment of a nutritional garden in Gwakwe, with surrounding communities including Sigodo and Gongwe expected to benefit.
“Operationally, Blanket Mine reported that it remains firmly on course to achieve its 2026 production targets while simultaneously laying the groundwork for its 2027 operational plans. However, management raised concerns over electricity supply disruptions caused by ageing infrastructure, which continues to affect mining operations,” said the update.
Despite investing in a 12-megawatt solar power plant, tha supplies only around 20 percent of its overall energy requirements and ton improve reliability, engagements are underway with ZESA Holdings to facilitate the construction of a 132kV power line connecting the mine directly to the national grid.
Nguluvhe said he would Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo to help expedite the process.
Employee fatigue resulting from long hours is being addressed where an additional shift of 123 new workers has been introduced at the mine.
The development had also provided workers with two days off per week.
Nguluvhe took the opportunity to brief Mine officials about developments at Beitbridge where thousands of returnees are arriving from South Africa.
He said some of the returnees had valuable skills serious investors can tap into.