COMMUNITIES in Bubi district, Matabeleland North province, have applauded Chinese gold miner Ming Chang Sino Africa (Ming Chang) for spending close to US$100 000 in a road rehabilitation project.
The community had struggled to rehabilitate and maintain the road for more than 40 years, with various fundraising initiatives failing to bear fruit.
The 25km road stretch, off the Bulawayo-Nkayi Highway, was last week officially opened at a colourful ceremony in ward 22 after a month of works.
Ming Chang Bubi manager Weidong Young said the project was the first among many more similar corporate social responsibility initiatives lined up for the district and country.
“We have all the necessary equipment in-house and that makes the project less costly for us a company. We used 21 excavators, rollers, dump trucks, front-end loaders and dozers for the project and commit to ensure the 25km stretch is well maintained going forward,” Weidong said at the ceremony.
“We have been in Zimbabwe as Ming Chang for 13 years now and in Bubi for seven years. We appreciate all the support we get from local leadership in council and we hope to develop the Bubi economy together.”
In a speech read on his behalf, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Richard Moyo said the government welcomes corporate citizens who give back to their communities through employment, taxes and critical development projects.
Bubi legislator Sonny Mguni said Ming Chang had set the bar high for investors and residents to give back to their communities.
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“This road has been giving us challenges since 1980 and Ming Chang has just challenged other investors to make a positive change in communities,” Mguni said adding that his office had engaged multiple players in the constituency to support development projects.
“Ming Chang did not waste any time on protocol, they agreed as soon as we knocked on their door for support and they have delivered this project in no time. I am glad to say that the mining company has donated nine boreholes in the district and intends to increase the number.”
Bubi Rural District Council chief executive Patson Mlilo said the district has a 911-kilometre road network, of which 440km are managed by council. Out of the 440km, only 45km are tarred, Mlilo said.
“Our target is to invest in 5km of hard surface every year and by the end of time we will be tarred across the district,” Mlilo added.
