PSC fund shopping mall nears completion

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

Victor Maphosa, Mashonaland East Bureau

Construction of the Public Service Commission Pension Fund shopping complex in Marondera has entered its second phase with the mall expected to be completed and opened this year.

Being constructed at the heart of Marondera town, the mall is expected to bring convenience to the transacting public, with plans to make the complex a one-stop shopping centre now in place.

The first phase, which was recently completed has seen the structure being leased to Metro Hyper, which has since opened its doors to consumers.

Recently, Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Mr Tavabarira Kutamahufa, toured the construction site.

He was accompanied by officials from all the local authorities in Mashonaland East. The aim was to ensure local authorities emulate the model of one-stop shopping complexes in their districts.

“We have invited chief executive officers and chairpersons from our local authorities to come and have a feel and experience of a modern building and service so that when they go back, they will be able to replicate lessons learnt here.

“What is more important is that there is a good business concept. Our local authority, the Marondera Municipality, provided land to one of our pension funds, who then ensured there was this massive development. One thing that is encouraging is the provision of services under one roof.

“We are seeing here different businesses under one roof but giving different services and complementing each other. This is one of the concepts of ease of doing business and it promotes a healthy competition in the business community,” Mr Kutamahufa said.

He appealed to local authorities and potential investors to emulate the concept.

“We are encouraging all local authorities and all would-be investors, be they foreigners, or local ones even pension funds to come and join us in Mashonaland East. We have unlimited opportunities,” he said.

Mr Victor Nyamutswa, the chief executive officer for Mudzi Rural District Council, said the concept was plausible and should be commended and replicated in other districts of Mashonaland East.

“This shows the importance of partnerships with pension funds in the development of modern infrastructure.

“What I have seen here is commendable and as rural local authorities, we would want to interface with pension funds so that they can also come to our areas of jurisdiction and replicate the developments that we have seen here,” he said.