Maravi

Capitalizing on our minerals

Capitalizing on our minerals
Samanyika – Opinion
Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:05:00 +0000

ZIMBABWE needs to take advantage of China's strength. If we have any intentions of being a global player, we need to think strategically and the powers that be in Zimbabwe need to switch their lights on and realise that we are living in the 'Dark Ages'.

China, our new so-called “friend” is now so economically powerful that even the United States is shaking in its boots. China has the technology and machinery to help us as a developing nation, but what we need now are some sharp thinkers who look beyond a five-year economic plan and capitalise on China's need for resources

After watching a documentary on China's investment deal in the Congo, I realised that Zimbabwe is in a good position to do exactly the same. One thing we as Africans need to remember is that: even though we have a lot of resources one day these will run out and if we do not strategically place them now, then God forbid, we are doomed.

Below are a few pointers that I feel Government (if they are serious) need to consider.

China needs resources of which we have in abundance. We need infrastructure and not just any infrastructure – we need national assets.

In my opinion:

(1) Zimbabwe needs to open economic corridors in terms of good roads to its neighbours. I am not just talking small roads, which is where strategy comes in. I am talking motorways and major highways, the least being dual roads linking our major routes that is Harare-Beitbridge, Bulawayo-Beitbridge, Harare-Bulawayo, Harare-Nyamapanda, Bulawayo-Victoria falls, Harare-Mutare.

China can then be “given” mining rights after a costing has been done by top accountants and economists to see how much the projects will cost, taking into consideration the market price of the resources being mined.

Let’s say rail and road projects will cost in the region of 30 billion dollars, mining rights could then be issued for 40 billion dollars worth factoring in rise or fall of mined products in return for construction of the infrastructure. It might take 10-15 years but once such a network has been established its there forever.

(2) A similar project is The Zambezi Water Project, that should be immediately undertaken as it would open up the whole southern region as an agricultural belt. This in turn will help the economy long term.

(3) Major hydroelectric dam 3-4 times the size of Kariba: I am talking long term here a dam that will power Zimbabwe into the future I am talking at least 100 years this might sound bullish but we need to - if we want to be a global player. Government can then concentrate on building hospitals schools and houses. I am sure this way people will really see the benefit of our country being rich in mineral resources but as of now people wonder where exactly the resources are going and what or who they are benefiting?

Samanyika
United Kingdom

Labels: CHINA, MINING, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 5:28 PM