A MULTI-MILLION shopping mall is expected to open its doors in Shurugwi in a move expected to bring back business mojo in the mining town.
Shurugwi’s economy relies on mining, but the sparkle faded as a result of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme in the early 1990s and the subsequent plummeting of global chrome prices, leading to the demise of the giant mining company Zimasco.
Over the years, economic activity in the area remained in a slump.
Three years ago, the Mining Industry Pension Fund moved in and started constructing a state-of-the-art shopping mall, whose completion is expected in March this year.
Shurugwi North MP Joseph Mupasi said the US$7,8 million shopping mall was one of many infrastructural development projects meant to boost economic activity in Shurugwi.
“I am glad that this project will play a key role in contributing to the growth of the district’s economy while creating employment for the people of Shurugwi,” he said.
“I call on the people of Shurugwi to continue investing in infrastructural development.
“We commend our visionary leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa for spearheading developmental programmes across the country. Recently he commissioned the once death trap — the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road.”
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Mupasi said the mall would ease shopping woes for families that had been travelling to Gweru to beef up stocks.
“This development was a result of collective work from the President, MP, councillor and was meant for the people of Shurugwi.”
The Shurugwi North MP said they would encourage the property owner, Mining Industry Pension Fund, to employ locals.
Speaking during the appreciation tour of the mall in Shurugwi last Wednesday, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Owen Ncube said the mall was in line with the aspirations of the second republic.
“Progress has been made towards the completion of the state-of-the-art US$7,8 million Mining Industry Pension Fund Shopping Mall in Shurugwi earmarked for March,” he said.
“The new shopping mall aligns with the new dispensation’s urban renewal and smart city concept.”
Ncube said the goal was to create vibrant, inclusive and sustainable urban centres that improved the quality of life for citizens, attracted investment and drove economic growth.
Ncube said the construction project commenced in August 2022 and was expected to be completed by March, adding that another shopping mall was earmarked for Gokwe.
