By Rex Mphisa
THE Government is inviting for investors in the construction industry offering multiple opportunies in schools, tourism and commercial sectors in Matebeleland South.
Welcoming delegates to a Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment PromotionI Matebeleland Investment Conference in Gwanda Minister Albert Nguluvhe asked investors to take up arious opportunities in the constructin industry.
Nguluvhe who is Matebeleland South Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution said there is need for schools aand tsrtiary colleges across the entire province.
“Tourism is another sector that remains under invested. The province has a lot of lucrative investment opportunities for uptake. You may be aware of the Matopo Hills and National Park, areas like Diana’s Pools, Lumene Falls, Antelope Dam, Nkankezi Ruins, Dlodlo Ruins and Luswingo Ruins also need complementary services such as lodges, Zip lines and other recreational activities;” he said.
Apart from these, Nguluvhe said, the shortage of schools and tertiary instutions in Matebeleland South pdesented an opportunity for building of private schools.
“Our education and health sectors also present opportunities for the construction of primary schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions, clinics, hospitals and rehabilitation centres which are key catalysts for economic development and prosperity of our nation.”
The same construction industry also offered opportunities in the commecial sectors where the province offered thousands of stands for shops, conference centres.
“The province remains short of conference facilities, shopping malls, air services, travel and touring services, hunting safaris, hotels, recreational and entertainment facilities and cultural experiences to preserve our rare cultures such as Khoisan,” he said.
He said the Matabeleland South Investment and Post Budget Review Conference jointly hosted by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and the President’s Office was key to stimulate investment, present an opportunity to present stakeholders to influence and contribute to policy making.
The three day conference held under the theme “Investing for Impact: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Development,” had presenters from different local authorities in the province.
Nguluvhe said the conference came at an opportune time when Zimbabwe is transitioning to the National Development Strategy 2 as well as preparing to host its 46th National Independence celebrations to be held in the province.
“You will all agree that all eyes are on our province as is evidenced by the hive of development activities within the Province. We are indeed elated with this development and we thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa for his vision of “leaving no place and no one behind” which has surely contributed to a lot of development across our entire nation,” he said.
“For Matabeleland South, this conference is therefore more than just a meeting; as it provides a platform for serious engagement and presents a chance to explore the investment opportunities that the Province has to offer whilst it also catalyses transformative development through ensuring conversations between stakeholders, investors, and Government,” he said.
He said Matabeleland South Province or the Rainbow Province is not only rich in the cultural heritage but also very much endowed with numerous investment opportunities that are scattered across our seven Administrative Districts namely, Beitbridge, Bulilima, Gwanda, Insiza, Mangwe, Matobo and Umzingwane.
“Matebeleland South Province is host to the Southern Part of the Great Dyke and the Ancient Green Stone Belts which are great sources our country’s mineral wealth endowments. The province has vast minerals such as Gold, Lithium, Limestone, Diamond, Chrome and Coal to mention a few, with these being cost effectively available for extraction and beneficiation.”
He said investors in mining should create job oportunities for residents of the province and only expert work should be reserved for foreigners.
On the agriculture sector Nguluvhe said livestock and irrigated crops of the province are of higher quality and standard.
He said the sector provided opportunities for livestock breeding, citrus production, fish farming, dairy farming and crop production.
“Whilst there are a lot of investment opportunities in this sector, value addition opportunities for its products remain very low. As a province we continue to look forward to having many manufactured products originating from our Province as it exudes with a lot of potential that is waiting for investors like you to tap into,” he said.
Nguluvhe said to complement economic activities, in the province investors should take up opportunities to invest in energy solutions such as solar farms, wind farms and biogas plants.
He said proximity of the province to international boundaries with South Africa and Botswana should wake up beneficiatoon products for the export market.
More than 100 delegates from different districts and local authorities attended the three-day conference also addressed by officials from different investment arms of government.