HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that his government’s commitment to improving the national infrastructure will go a long way in the country’s quest for economic recovery.

He said this whilst addressing delegates at the official ground-breaking ceremony for the upgrading of the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare on Monday.

Infrastructure developments have been rapid following the arrival of the new dispensation particularly roads, airport and the railway systems.

“Today’s event is taking place following the commissioning of the commencement of works on the modernisation and upgrading of Beitbridge Border Post and other similar infrastructure, investment initiatives in mining, energy, ICTs, agriculture, education sectors, among others,” said Mnangagwa.

The upgrading of the Robert Mugabe International Airport has been funded by China’s Eximbank through a $153 million loan facility and this also follows the refurbishment of the Victoria Falls International Airport in 2016 funded by the same bank.

According to local business people and experts, infrastructure development will even broaden the scope of business in the country thereby creating new employment opportunities in key productive sectors.

State of infrastructure is one of the key areas considered by investors in a given area before injecting funds for a project.

Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe president Mr Mike Juru noted that whilst it is important to take note of the current developments of infrastructure, there is need to explore more opportunities than currently available.

“It is important to take note of the current developments of infrastructure, however, we also need to explore more opportunities on that aspect,” he said.

National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairman Mr Larry Mavhima has called upon the private sector to play a role in the infrastructure developments where more than $300 million has been allocated by the treasury.

Stalled infrastructure developments have been partly blamed for the lack of investor confidence in Zimbabwe and with efforts being made to improve this sector the nation anticipates for better in the near future.