Mberengwa has had some of the worst roads despite the abundance of natural resources in the district

By Trymore Tagwirei

Mutapa Energy Resources is tarring the 53-kilometre York–Sandawana Road as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with three construction companies currently working on the major infrastructure project. Mutapa Energy Resources is the company operating the Sandawana Lithium Mines in Mberengwa.

Mberengwa Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer Vafios Hlabati said construction of the road was progressing well, with Fossil Contracting, SM Projects, and Masimba Construction each allocated a 17 km stretch of the road.

“The three companies are busy working on the road, and we are optimistic that the work will be completed soon,” said Hlabati.

The road, which has been one of the worst in the district, is expected to improve connectivity and speed up the movement of people and goods.

Hlabati said authorities were satisfied with progress on the relocation of 104 families affected by the expansion of mining activities at Sandawana.

“Decent housing is being prepared for the families, and two irrigation schemes are being developed to benefit the wider community,” he said.

Mutapa Energy Resources CEO Innocent Rukweza said the infrastructure developments were an important component of the company’s community development efforts.

Mberengwa is endowed with significant mineral and natural resources, but communities in the district have long suffered from underdeveloped infrastructure.