Source: ‘Muzarabani gas hopes raise prospect of new economic chapter’ – herald
Theseus Mauruki Shambare in MUZARABANI
MUZARABANI’S emerging oil and gas prospects are raising hopes of a new economic chapter for Zimbabwe, with expectations that a commercially viable petroleum industry could create jobs, attract investment and stimulate industrial development, a Cabinet minister has said.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda, who is also Muzarabani North legislator, said the prospects could significantly alter Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory if successfully developed.
Addressing members of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s Men Christian union attending the Harare East District annual convention in Muzarabani, Dr Soda said the area’s natural resources presented an opportunity for the country to accelerate economic transformation.
“Here in Muzarabani, in the Mavuradonha Mountains, there are various mineral resources, including oil, which we hope will transform the country’s economy,” he said.
“As we know, oil is what drives many things in developed countries.”
Australian-listed Invictus Energy is preparing to drill its second oil and gas test well in November as it continues exploration in the Cabora Bassa Basin, placing Muzarabani at the centre of Zimbabwe’s hopes for a potential domestic petroleum industry.
The exploration programme has generated expectations that a successful commercial development could open opportunities well beyond the petroleum sector.
Dr Soda said the anticipated resource wealth would require responsible leadership and careful management if it was to deliver the transformation being envisaged.
He urged the church members gathered for the three-day convention to continue praying for the country’s leadership and for wisdom in managing emerging economic opportunities.
“Continue praying for us, asking God to give us wisdom and the ability to lead, so that the oil which was discovered here must turn the economy around and make Zimbabwe prosper,” he said.
Dr Soda said leaders should remain conscious of the expectations of citizens as new economic opportunities emerge.
“When we speak to God, God gives us wisdom. We are then able to understand that everything we do should respond to the expectations of the people we lead,” he said.
Muzarabani is home to the Mavuradonha Mountains, which Dr Soda highlighted as an important natural and cultural asset.
The area contains rock paintings, waterfalls and sites associated with rare eagle nesting, adding another dimension to the debate over how the district should develop.
“Mavuradonha was declared one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and there are rock paintings found here,” Dr Soda said.
“There are also waterfalls in these mountains. Even rare eagles lay their eggs here.”
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