By Evans Dakwa
The rainbow province of Matebeleland South has marked a momentous occasion in its contribution to the economy of Zimbabwe and the country’s industrialisation agenda, witnessing the ground breaking ceremony of a multi-billion dollar project in Beitbridge.
The Palm River energy metallurgical special economic zone project set to increase economic activity in the province and ensure the trickle down economic is felt by local communities.
As she welcomed guests at the official ground breaking ceremony , Matebeleland South Minister of State for Devolution, Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu said the province is elated to be housing such a gigantic economic project.
” The project will industrialise Matebeleland South and play crucial role in the attainment of Vision 2030 of attainment of an upper middle income economy by 2030,” said Honourable Ndlovu.
The Minister said she is impressed and thankful that the province in particular Beitbridge District is already and will continue to reaping the rewards of the trickle down effect of the project.
” The 10 000 jobs to be created here will benefit local people and the carbon footprint and environmental protection is beneficial to the community as the world’s lowest cost energy and metallurgical venture takes shape.”
Already a local communities have benefitted from a borehole drilling scheme done by Xintai Palm River metallurgical industrial park project in conjunction with local traditional leaders with Makakavule primary reaping having a classroom block that will be fully furnished.
At its completion, the industrial park will house Beitbridge’s first world class recreational park.
Minister of Mines and Minjng Development, Honourable Winston Chitando said the project is testament to the second republics Zimbabwe is open for business mantra.
“The project is testament to the fruits of Zim is open for business and am glad that already, the four components of the project are underway,towards ensuring by 2030 the whole integrated venture would be generating at least US$ 1.7 billion per annum,” he said.