By Admire Chitsungo
Infrastructure and private-sector investment are gathering pace in Kadoma, with new and expanding projects in retail, hospitality, healthcare and education reshaping the city’s economic landscape.
The developments come ahead of the 23rd ZANU-PF Annual National People’s Conference, which will be held at Chinhoyi University of Technology from October 12 to 17 under the theme, “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment Towards Vision 2030.”
Kadoma’s strategic position along the Harare-Bulawayo highway has continued to support its role as a commercial and transit centre, while investment in accommodation, retail and other services is expanding the range of businesses operating in the city.
Kadoma mayor Cllr Nigel Ruzario said the local authority was working with Government, the private sector and communities to support investment and improve service delivery.
“Kadoma is open for business and we are committed to creating an enabling environment for investment and sustainable development. Our focus is on improving service delivery, supporting investment and ensuring that development taking place in the city benefits all,” he said.
The hospitality sector is among those expanding, with establishments including Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre, Odyssey Lounge, MCE Lodge, Sky Lodge, ESFOG, Luna, Gold Lodge, Charama Lodge, Kirk Lodge and Champion Lodge providing accommodation, conferencing and other services.
The expansion could also increase Kadoma’s capacity to accommodate visitors and business travellers, particularly as the province prepares to host the national conference.
The city’s retail sector is also seeing new developments.
Northgate Mall along Robert Mugabe Way is expected to be commissioned before the end of the year, while Chigova Retail Complex, Naichiko Retail Complex in the central business district and Mateketa Retail Complex in Rimuka are adding commercial space.
Fuel and automotive services along the Harare-Bulawayo highway have also expanded, with facilities such as MCE Service Station, Monshem Service Station, Sichel Service Station and Dollar Motors Service Station adding services for motorists and travellers.
Beyond commercial activity, investment in healthcare and skills development is also taking shape.
The Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa School of Nursing in Kadoma was officially opened this month, with the institution expected to expand opportunities for nurse training. The school began enrolling its pioneer students earlier this year.
Renovations at Rimuka Maternity Home are also aimed at improving maternal and newborn healthcare facilities.
Education infrastructure is another area receiving attention, with Kadoma City Council constructing Victory Park Primary School in the Victory Park high-density suburb.
Cllr Ruzario said social infrastructure needed to keep pace with the city’s expansion.
“Education is central to community development. As our city expands, we must ensure that social infrastructure grows with it. Building schools closer to communities is part of creating an inclusive city where development reaches ordinary residents,” he said.
The projects come as Zimbabwe continues to pursue its Vision 2030 development agenda, with the forthcoming ZANU PF conference expected to review the implementation of previous resolutions and programmes.
For Kadoma, however, the expansion of commercial and social infrastructure also presents challenges for the local authority, particularly around urban planning, service delivery and ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with population growth.
Cllr Ruzario said the council remained focused on its long-term development plans.
“Our vision is to make Kadoma a smart service sanctuary by 2030. Achieving that vision requires us to work together, attract investment, improve infrastructure and continuously raise the standard of service delivery,” he said.
With new commercial developments and investments in healthcare and education taking shape, Kadoma is positioning itself to strengthen its role as one of Mashonaland West’s key commercial centres.
