The Sunday Mail
Kuda Bwititi
GOVERNMENT will prioritise infrastructure projects in all parts of the country as part of a strategy to spur economic development and improve living standards, President Mnangagwa has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by Vice President Kembo Mohadi at the official opening of Pembi Bridge in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central, on Wednesday, the President said Government will accordingly inject more resources into infrastructure development.
“My Government continues to prioritise the allocation of resources for infrastructure projects. It is pleasing that we are undertaking various projects, in particular roads and bridges in all our provinces using our own resources, with no help from outside financiers or investors,” he said.
“This development is a demonstration that with determination, resolve, focus and the prudent use of national resources, the attainment of Vision 2030 can be accelerated. My administration shall continue in its quest to improve the quality of life of our people and achieve equitable development and where possible, equalisation that leaves no one behind.”
Commissioning of Pembi Bridge, President Mnangagwa said, dovetails with Government’s thrust to “develop vibrant provincial economies and rural industry systems with the attendant infrastructure and enablers”.
“This bridge will improve the road interconnectivity between the districts of Mashonaland Central as well as connect the province to the rest of the country. The completion of the bridge will facilitate the acceleration of the growth of agriculture, mining, tourism and other sectors in Mbire and Muzarabani Districts of Mashonaland Central Province.
“I, therefore, challenge the surrounding communities to play an active part of their development through economic activities that will meaningfully contribute to the provincial GDP, as well as improve their income base and quality of life.”
The Pembi River Bridge, constructed at a cost of US$1,8 million, replaces a narrow bridge which caused challenges for vehicles, particularly large trucks that could not pass through the narrow strip.
The bridge along the Harare-Kanyemba road is part of the regional trunk road connecting the northern part of Southern Africa through Kanyemba Border Post, which is a three-frontier border with Zambia and Mozambique.
Kanyemba border also creates huge potential for trade, as it is the shortest route to Central Africa.
