The National AIDS Council (NAC) is constructing new, modern offices in Marondera, Mashonaland East, which aligns with the Second Republic’s policies of promoting development across the country. The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Dr. Aplonia Munzverengwi, has expressed support for this initiative, stating that it will help address office shortages and contribute to the fight against HIV and AIDS in the region.
The NAC’s efforts to expand its presence in Mashonaland East is crucial for facilitating the provision of essential services related to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.
This development is particularly important given the high burden of HIV in Zimbabwe, and the need for continued efforts to combat the epidemic at the local level. By improving access to NAC services and resources in Mashonaland East, the organization can help strengthen the overall response to HIV and AIDS in the country.
“I’m optimistic that this new structure will facilitate the vision of eradicating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, which is also in line with the nation’s vision of attaining an upper middle-class economy by 2030,” she said.
“This is all in the spirit of increasing access to decent office infrastructure to all the departments and ministries in Mashonaland East Province and Marondera in particular, as there are shortages of office space to accommodate both private and public departments that are key in developing this province.
In keeping with the new dispensation’s direction to construct and provide adequate, affordable and functional accommodation for ministries, departments and agencies, NAC then thrives to respond to that vision.
“These are infrastructure development-related projects, proving to be another anchor for infrastructure development in Mashonaland East Province, aiding a speedy take-off towards attaining Vision 2030, which entails achieving an upper middle income economy as it is anchored clearly by the National Development Strategy 1.
“This milestone achievement will continue adding value to the transformation of Marondera. This building is a multifaceted project that is going to provide offices and commercial space that solidifies our thrust for devolution.
“There are several ministries and departments who are yet to decentralise their functions and operations because of office space challenges. This move by the National AIDS Council signals a new beginning, a new Mashonaland East Province full of hope and immense possibilities,” she said.
“This modern building will definitely uplift and enhance the image of Marondera CBD. Over and above, I want to appreciate the NAC board and management’s vision for providing resources for such development in Mashonaland East province.”
NAC chief executive officer Dr Benard Madzima said the organisation had put in enough resources to see the completion of the construction of the offices.
“As NAC, we have embraced President Mnangagwa’s call, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’, and this is also in line with Vision 2030. The first phase of this building will be completed in the next 12 to 15 months,” he said.
The construction of the NAC Mashonaland East provincial offices in Marondera is taking place in phases, with the ground and first floors expected to be completed this year.
The remaining two floors will be constructed soon after the first phase is finished. This incremental approach allows for a more manageable and efficient development process.
Source: The Herald
