AS Government continues to implement its economic blueprint — the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) — outstanding progress was recorded on several fronts in 2022.
The year saw the execution of infrastructural projects, enhancement of agricultural productivity and the launch of other initiatives to improve people’s lives.
Our reporters looked at some of the major projects that took shape in 2022 as well as success stories.
Manhize Iron and Steel Plant
The US$1,5 billion Manhize Iron and Steel Plant being set up in Mvuma by Chinese investors through Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) is one of the projects that recorded major progress in the mining sector in 2022.
According to DISCO project director Mr Wilfred Motsi, construction of the processing plant is now 48 percent complete.
The company invested about US$500 million since construction began.
The project got the support of the highest office in the country when President Mnangagwa officiated at its ground-breaking ceremony in October 2022.
DISCO is targeting to start producing iron and steel products at the plant this year.
Upon completion of the first phase, the Manhize plant is expected to process about 600 000 tonnes of carbon steel, while creating 6 000 jobs.
Hwange Thermal Power Station expansion
Economic and energy experts generally agree that the expansion of the Hwange Thermal Power Station through construction of Unit 7 and 8 is one of the infrastructural development projects that have taken off since the advent of the Second Republic.
Unit 7 was completed in 2022, with the contractor, Power China, now running tests for the integration of the unit to the national grid. Unit 8 will be completed within the first three months of the year.
Overall, the project will add 600MW to the national grid.
Mbudzi Interchange
The beginning of construction works at the Mbudzi Interchange was one of the biggest stories in 2022.
Construction of the US$88 million state-of-the-art thoroughfare is moving at breathtaking pace, with seven out of its 14 bridges already completed.
The project, which started around June 2022, is expected to take about 18 months to complete. The contractor, TEFOMA Construction, has already acquired state-of-the-art equipment and cranes to ensure they meet the construction deadline.
It is expected that major progress will be made this year.
Upon completion, the interchange is expected to ease congestion at Mbudzi, while providing architectural beauty to the country’s busiest road.
New Parliament building
The new Parliament building is one of the national infrastructure development projects completed in 2022. The iconic building, whose architecture was inspired by the Great Zimbabwe, was constructed by Shanghai Construction Group Company at a cost of US$200 million, as a donation from the Chinese government. While the new Parliament building is yet to be officially opened, the 2022 State of the Nation Address and the 2023 National Budget presentation were made in the building. In the new building, the National Assembly will accommodate 400 people, while the Senate chamber has 150 seats. It also has conferencing facilities, 15 committee rooms, staff offices and a car park. The new building is also expected to cut accommodation costs for MPs.
Lithium mines
In 2022, Zimbabwe made a lot of progress in lithium mining.
In the space of a year, President Mnangagwa officiated at the ground-breaking ceremonies of three lithium mines, namely Bikita Minerals, Arcadia Lithium Mine and Sabi Star Mine.
In June, President Mnangagwa officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony of a US$300 million spodumene project at Bikita Minerals, which will ramp up lithium production and extend the life of Zimbabwe’s oldest mine.
Spodumene is a rock that has a very high mineralisation of lithium.
Chinese firm Sino Mine acquired Bikita Minerals and is injecting funds to increase lithium output, while extending the life of Bikita Minerals Mine by between 25 and 30 years.
In November, President Mnangagwa officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony of Arcadia Lithium Mine in Goromonzi, which will see an initial investment of US$165 million.
It is expected to employ 700 people. In December, President Mnangagwa presided over the ground-breaking ceremony of the Sabi Star Mine in Buhera.
The US$130 million project will see the mine produce 300 000 tonnes of lithium every year and employ 900 people.
Global demand for lithium is exponentially rising, as the motor industry moves away from internal combustion vehicle engines to lithium battery-powered vehicles.
Lake Gwayi-Shangani
The construction of Lake Gwayi-Shangani and the water pipeline project also moved a gear up in 2022. The project is nearly 70 percent complete. The US$120 million project was last year elevated from dam to lake status and has a massive capacity of 635 million cubic metres. Lake Gwayi-Shangani has been a pipe dream since 1912, but only got going through efforts from the Second Republic.
There are great benefits from Lake Gwayi-Shangani, with Bulawayo particularly set to have its water problems solved.
The lake will also provide water to the Hwange Thermal Power Station, while supporting irrigation, tourism, fisheries and power generation in surrounding areas.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport expansion
The Robert Gabriel Mugabe (RGM) International Airport expansion recorded significant progress in 2022. The US$153 million project is more than 60 percent complete. It is expected to be complete around June this year. Construction of a VVIP pavilion is now at an advanced stage. On completion, the airport will become a regional aviation hub that will handle up to six million passengers per year, up from the current 2,5 million.
Beitbridge Border Post rehabilitation
In September, President Mnangagwa unveiled the new-look Beitbridge Border Post. Zimborders – which is upgrading the border under a US$300 million a 17-and-a-half-year build, operate and transfer deal – achieved key construction milestones, even in the face of Covid-19-induced disruptions. The border modernisation project brings with it an array of benefits for the country and the region as a whole, particularly through the facilitation of trade, investment, business travel and tourism.
Tallest building in Africa project
Dubai-based billionaire businessman Mr Shaji Ul Mulk visited Zimbabwe a number of times during the course of the year to set into motion plans to implement the US$500 million Zimbabwe cyber city project, which will see the creation of a state-of-the-art complex in Mt Hampden. In November 2022, preparatory works for the construction began. Contractors cleared the land and set up other facilities to pave the way for construction.
The cyber city project is the first investment to be made by a consortium of businesses from the Middle East under the Zimbabwe Global Investments Company. It will be spread over 2,5 million square feet of land and is expected to have a shopping mall, luxury villas and apartments, cyber technology offices and other social facilities. The facility will also house the Mulk Tower, projected to be the tallest building in Africa. – The Sunday Mail
