BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) says it has invested more than US$3 million in community development projects in Goromonzi, with the funds going towards improving infrastructure, education, water, roads and skills development.
Patience Chizodza, PLZ Public Relations Manager, revealed this during a tour of Arcadia Technology Zimbabwe (ATZ) mine in Goromonzi by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Engineer Dr Polite Kambamura and other officials.
Chizodza said the company remains committed to ensuring that its investments benefit surrounding communities as they had channelled (the investments) into critical community infrastructure projects.
“We have invested over US$3 million dollars in critical community infrastructure development, which includes road upgrades, bridge construction, classroom renovations and teacher housing, directly addressing local needs and social development,” she said.
She said PLZ has also embarked on a three-year Goromonzi Community Development Programme, which was launched in December 2024 in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact.
The programme, which runs until 2027, includes women’s empowerment, youth skills development and clean energy projects.
Chizodza added that the company has installed solar power systems at local schools to improve access to electricity and learning.
She further revealed that PLZ has also upgraded infrastructure in the district, including the tarring of an 8 kilometre road from Majuru Growth Point to Arda Farm, while plans are underway to tar more roads.
In the education sector, Chizodza said the company has built two classroom blocks at Vhuta Primary School, constructed two semi-detached teachers’ houses, donated desks and chairs, equipped the science laboratory at Mwanza Secondary School and installed a security fence at Mwanza Primary School.
Chizodza also revealed that PLZ has also donated 5 500 textbooks and is funding the education of 72 learners from 10 surrounding schools through its scholarship programme.
“We have installed a solar-powered borehole, water tanks and taps at Vhuta Primary School to improve access to clean water.”
To strengthen technical skills, Chizodza said PLZ signed a landmark partnership with Ningbo Polytechnic in China and Zimbabwe’s polytechnic institutions to facilitate skills transfer, industrial development and innovation.
She said students are being trained in China before returning to Zimbabwe for employment opportunities at PLZ and Acadia TTechnology Zimbabwe.
The company also runs a local youth skills development programme, where young people from surrounding communities receive training before being employed.
Also as part of improving security, PLZ has constructed a police base that now serves Wards 12, 14 and 17.
Chizodza added that the investments in Goromonzi have created about 2 000 direct jobs and another 2 000 indirect jobs.
She added that PLZ remains committed to responsible mining and sustainable development.
“We are committed to long-term sustainable growth by investing in responsible business practices, supporting our communities and ensuring our success benefits both Zimbabwe’s economy and the people living in Goromonzi,” she said.
