The Sunday News
Dosman Mangisi
PLATINUM miner Unki Platinum Mine has given a major facelift to the old mining town of Shurugwi through its $120 million state-of-the-art housing project.
Unki Platinum entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Shurugwi Town Council for the construction of 900 houses in Impali residential area on 110 hectares of virgin land.
These 200 houses are now ready for occupation while a state of the art double storey primary school with 16 classrooms which can accommodate Grade Zero to Seven classes is also complete.
Shurugwi Town council chairman Councillor Fungai Makore praised the Impali Housing Project describing it as a major face lift to the mining town. He said the platinum mine has unlocked a number of investment projects by developing an area that will accommodate more than 1 500 families giving a population of close to 10 000 to that new area alone.
“The new state of the art housing project being built by Unki Platinum Mine has brought importance to Shurugwi Town. The economic and social status (of Shurugwi) has been upgraded through the infrastructure which comprises tarred roads network in the new residential area, state-of-the- art houses with standards ranging from high, medium and low density. There is a state-of-the-art primary school ready to open classes in January 2016. This alone has attracted two banks, Stanbic and BancABC that have already applied for rental space at the new mall. Pick ’n Pay also wants to develop their branch,” said Mr Makore.
Impali suburb is being constructed on the highlands of Shurugwi, providing scenic view to the residents.
A new water treatment plant has been built while a new sewer plant which uses latest technology and has efficient sewer treatment mechanism is being installed.
Apart from the 900 houses, Unki Platinum has also acquired land for 1 200 units of houses for its workers.
Unki Platinum chief finance officer Mr Colins Chibafa said the housing project will comprise high, medium and low density suburbs.
“Our first phase of the housing project is now complete with 200 houses ready for occupation by December and 350 more houses will be ready by January 2016. The project is part of commitment to the lives of our workers and the community around. Our relationship is real and permanent when it comes to development,” said Mr Chibafa.
