By Staff Reporter
HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa says Village Business Units (VBUs) will play a key role in Zimbabwe’s rural industrialisation programme as the Government expands initiatives aimed at stimulating economic activity in rural communities.
The VBU model combines boreholes, solar power, irrigation systems and community-managed production to support rural enterprise development under the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda.
Addressing the 27th Ordinary Session of the Zanu PF National Consultative Assembly (NCA) on Friday, Mnangagwa said the Government would continue rolling out programmes designed to create economic opportunities in rural areas.
“The Second Republic is accelerating the roll-out of the rural industrialisation agenda as a key pillar for inclusive national development.
“Through Village Business Units and promoting the ‘Dam as an economy’ concept, we are taking opportunities, industries and markets directly to our communities.
“We will continue to implement programmes to equip women and youth, with knowledge and competencies, required for them to meaningfully participate in the modern local and global economy,” he said.
Mnangagwa urged community leaders to ensure development initiatives benefit all Zimbabweans.
“Members of the National Consultative Assembly, and leaders within our communities, have a duty to ensure that these development programmes and opportunities benefit all our people.
“Every Zimbabwean has a right to benefit from the nation’s ongoing economic development initiatives, projects and programmes as well as our rich natural resources,” he said.
VBUs form part of the Presidential Borehole Scheme (PBS), which seeks to improve access to water while supporting household food production, nutrition gardens and income-generating projects in rural communities.
The programme includes solar-powered boreholes, water storage facilities and drip irrigation systems intended to support agricultural production and small-scale rural enterprises.
The scheme is being implemented through several institutions and contractors. Among them is Presidential Special Adviser on Investment and Empowerment Paul Tungwarara, whose company, Prevail International Group, has been contracted to implement components of the PBS, and VBUs in parts of the country.
PBS is intended to expand rural agricultural production, improve water access and support local economic activity through irrigation and renewable energy infrastructure.
Mnangagwa said the government would continue expanding programmes aimed at improving agricultural productivity, irrigation, mining and infrastructure development.
He said VBUs complement the government’s rural industrialisation strategy by creating production centres closer to communities while providing economic opportunities for women and young people.
