A government bigwig says turning rural areas into factory towns is the next big push. Acting President Kembo Mohadi laid out a plan focused on building up country spots, aiming to boost regular folks and the economy. He spoke at Rutenga Primary School in Mwenezi after checking out a local processing plant.
The facility handles wild mapfura fruit, buying from over a thousand farmers across Mwenezi district. It makes wine, cosmetic oil, and charcoal for sale at home and abroad. Mohadi toured the spot with Dr. Dexter Savadye from the National Biotechnology Authority, which runs the operation.
He stated the leadership wants every rural zone to have industries that add value to local stuff, creating jobs and pulling in foreign cash. This rural industrialization is a central policy, meant to transform areas and reduce poverty. Mohadi called the fruit plant a blueprint for other regions to copy.
The setup directly hires over 150 people at its busiest time and provides a combined income for fruit collectors. Mohadi argued that such value-addition attracts other services, spreading wealth and sticking to a mantra of inclusive development. He said visible changes are already happening.
Mwenezi is shaping into a processing hub for items like sesame, paprika, and beef. Mohadi urged Masvingo province to keep leveraging its natural resources, noting its high concentration of dams. He pointed to potential hydro power from structures like Tugwi-Mukosi Dam to ensure steady electricity.
Officials also addressed the Nuanetsi Ranch area, stressing the need to clear unauthorized settlers from land designated for citrus and sugarcane projects. Resettlement land is available there, but compensation will only go to people displaced by specific dam construction.
Minister Paul Mavhima pledged support for the rural industry drive through valuing local resources. Provincial Minister Ezra Chadzamira praised the fruit plant for changing Mwenezi's economic game. During the visit, Mohadi's delegation gave Rutenga Primary School laptops and a Starlink internet kit.
The facility handles wild mapfura fruit, buying from over a thousand farmers across Mwenezi district. It makes wine, cosmetic oil, and charcoal for sale at home and abroad. Mohadi toured the spot with Dr. Dexter Savadye from the National Biotechnology Authority, which runs the operation.
He stated the leadership wants every rural zone to have industries that add value to local stuff, creating jobs and pulling in foreign cash. This rural industrialization is a central policy, meant to transform areas and reduce poverty. Mohadi called the fruit plant a blueprint for other regions to copy.
The setup directly hires over 150 people at its busiest time and provides a combined income for fruit collectors. Mohadi argued that such value-addition attracts other services, spreading wealth and sticking to a mantra of inclusive development. He said visible changes are already happening.
Mwenezi is shaping into a processing hub for items like sesame, paprika, and beef. Mohadi urged Masvingo province to keep leveraging its natural resources, noting its high concentration of dams. He pointed to potential hydro power from structures like Tugwi-Mukosi Dam to ensure steady electricity.
Officials also addressed the Nuanetsi Ranch area, stressing the need to clear unauthorized settlers from land designated for citrus and sugarcane projects. Resettlement land is available there, but compensation will only go to people displaced by specific dam construction.
Minister Paul Mavhima pledged support for the rural industry drive through valuing local resources. Provincial Minister Ezra Chadzamira praised the fruit plant for changing Mwenezi's economic game. During the visit, Mohadi's delegation gave Rutenga Primary School laptops and a Starlink internet kit.
