Herzel Mushayabasa
The Muzarabani oil project being implemented in Mashonaland Central Province, is expected to radically transform the area and grow the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The mega project, with potential to create thousands of jobs at its peak, is being undertaken by Australian Securities Exchange-listed firm, Invictus Energy, in the Mbire Muzarabani area.
Already, hopes have been raised among locals who are benefiting from various corporate social responsibility programmes.
Invictus Energy country director, Mr Berry Meikle, told journalists during a tour of the mine yesterday that the project was progressing well.
“Currently, we are in the middle of drilling the 4 000 metre well and the project is doing quite well.
“We took much more time than we initially thought but I am glad to say everything is on track,” he said.
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando, who was the guest of honour during the mine tour, said the oil and gas project was the first to be implemented in Zimbabwe.
He said the fact that the project was happening under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, a hands-on leader, made it more exciting.
“We have always been positive from day one that this oil and gas project will yield positive results that will help in the turnaround and economic development of the country.
“To this extent, let me applaud His Excellency’s mantra ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ because that’s the mantra which has enabled capital to flow in and that is the capital that is responding to the mantra,” he said.
Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Monica Mavhunga, said her province’s economy was anchored on mining, agriculture and partly tourism.
“I am very excited with the progress that has been made so far and we have been notified that they have drilled a well down to 40km.
“With this project, I expect that our GDP as a province is going to grow and this project is going to be a game-changer; hence you will see wonders in Mashonaland Central
“As Government, we are doing our best to try and support the development that is taking place here,” said Minister Mavhunga.
She added that the project had created employment for many youths in the province, and was hopeful that as more work becomes available, more people would be recruited.
Under its corporate social responsibility programmes, Invictus Energy has this year been focusing on water provision and borehole drilling.
The mining project is critical to the attainment of an empowered upper middle income society by 2030.
