Gweru industrial revival in limbo

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PROSPECTS for the revival of companies in Gweru’s heavy and light industry areas look slim with most sites derelict with clear signs of neglect.

PROSPECTS for the revival of companies in Gweru’s heavy and light industry areas look slim with most sites derelict with clear signs of neglect as most firms, companies and business prepare to officially open for the New Year.

Stephen Chadenga OWN CORRESPONDENT

Some premises in the industrial area are an eye-sore in contrast to during the lifespan of the coalition government when business thrived in the Midlands capital with premises being used and well managed.

Local business executives and analysts that spoke to Southern Eye pointed the much-talked about Distressed Industries and Marginalised Areas Fund (Dimaf) did not bring any relief to companies in Gweru as many had failed to access the fund.

They were also quick to point out that the situation in Gweru presented a helicopter view of the crisis in the national economy.

The analysts, however, say the government should prioritise the Midlands revival which is rich in gold and other minerals as well as its striving farming sector, but predict little prospects for the revival of big and small companies in Gweru.

They said the Zanu PF-led government is technically broke and has no immediate solution for a quick economic turn-around or growth.

Companies which used to sustain the city’s economy such as Zimbabwe Alloys, Radar Castings, Zimglass, National Foods, Anchor Yeast, Kariba Batteries, Caridon Abrasives, GW Minerals, Swisette, Zimcast and APG Glendening have shut down while others are performing dismally.

Former Urban and Rural Development deputy minister Sesel Zvidzai once mooted the idea of a Gweru industry revival initiative to resuscitate the ailing industries in his home town, but nothing came of it.

“All these companies used to employ thousands of people and we need to come up with strategies and strong lobbying for their rescusitation and create jobs for Gweru people,” Zvidzai, who is also MDC-T Gweru urban MP, said.

Gweru-based economist, Trust Chikohora, suggested prior to the announcement of the 2014 national budget that the government should allocate a special fund for companies in the Midlands province saying it was the centre of the country’s economy.

“If you look at the Midlands province, it is the hub of the country’s economy. The industries were prominent in the operations of other companies and were an important part of the country’s economic fabric when they were still functioning at full capacity,” Chikohora said.