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Hwange employment hits 90%
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The Hwange Local Board has reported an estimated 90 percent adult employment rate, driven by increased investment activity that is transforming the mining town into one of Zimbabwe's fastest-growing economic hubs.
Speaking during the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair held in Bulawayo last week, corporate communications officer Dumisani Nsingo said the surge in employment is anchored by new business ventures and foreign direct investment.
Nsingo credited the government's "Zimbabwe is open for business" policy under the Second Republic for attracting international investors, including eight Chinese companies now operating in Hwange. These firms have collectively created thousands of jobs, significantly boosting the local economy.
The influx of workers has triggered rapid population growth, with people relocating from cities such as Harare and border towns like Beitbridge in search of employment opportunities.
As a result, demand for housing and essential services has surged, prompting the local authority to open up new areas for residential, commercial and industrial development.
"We are inviting the private sector to partner with us in servicing these new areas as we have limited capacity as the local authority," Nsingo said.
He added that plans are underway to establish a new central business district, as the current CBD land is owned by the Hwange Colliery Company.
The rapid population growth has also placed pressure on social infrastructure, particularly education. Nsingo said existing schools are overwhelmed and called on investors to build new learning institutions.
"We are looking for investors that can build schools to cater for the rapidly growing population," he said.
Beyond mining, Hwange is also positioning itself as a hub for agro-processing. Nsingo highlighted opportunities in fish processing, citing the town's proximity to the Zambezi River, located about 40 kilometres away.
"There are very few companies doing fish canning in Zimbabwe. Investors can establish factories in Hwange, which is close to the source of the fish," he said.
He further noted that reliable power supply in the area offers a competitive advantage for industrial development, reinforcing Hwange's appeal as a destination for investment.
Speaking during the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair held in Bulawayo last week, corporate communications officer Dumisani Nsingo said the surge in employment is anchored by new business ventures and foreign direct investment.
Nsingo credited the government's "Zimbabwe is open for business" policy under the Second Republic for attracting international investors, including eight Chinese companies now operating in Hwange. These firms have collectively created thousands of jobs, significantly boosting the local economy.
The influx of workers has triggered rapid population growth, with people relocating from cities such as Harare and border towns like Beitbridge in search of employment opportunities.
As a result, demand for housing and essential services has surged, prompting the local authority to open up new areas for residential, commercial and industrial development.
"We are inviting the private sector to partner with us in servicing these new areas as we have limited capacity as the local authority," Nsingo said.
He added that plans are underway to establish a new central business district, as the current CBD land is owned by the Hwange Colliery Company.
The rapid population growth has also placed pressure on social infrastructure, particularly education. Nsingo said existing schools are overwhelmed and called on investors to build new learning institutions.
"We are looking for investors that can build schools to cater for the rapidly growing population," he said.
Beyond mining, Hwange is also positioning itself as a hub for agro-processing. Nsingo highlighted opportunities in fish processing, citing the town's proximity to the Zambezi River, located about 40 kilometres away.
"There are very few companies doing fish canning in Zimbabwe. Investors can establish factories in Hwange, which is close to the source of the fish," he said.
He further noted that reliable power supply in the area offers a competitive advantage for industrial development, reinforcing Hwange's appeal as a destination for investment.
Source - The Chronicle
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