- by Gideon Madzikatidze/Simbarashe Sithole in Huyuyu
MUTOKO – The Ward 21 Councillor for Mutoko Rural District Council, Sanny Kabichi, has lauded the owner of Valley Fresh Farm, Tawanda Kabasa, for his significant contributions to rural industrialisation and tourism in Mashonaland East, specifically in Mutoko.
The entrepreneur has established a thriving chicken project with a production capacity of over 120,000 birds every six weeks, creating employment opportunities for over 200 community members.
Kabichi commended Kabasa’s commitment to empowering local communities through job creation and economic growth.
“Initiatives like Valley Fresh Farm are instrumental in driving rural development and contributing to the country’s vision of achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030,” Kabichi said.
In addition to the chicken project, Kabasa has also established PaBuja Resort, a rural tourism venture that showcases the beauty and potential of Mutoko’s countryside. The resort is set to attract tourists and locals alike, providing a unique experience and generating income for the local economy.
The Councillor expressed gratitude to Kabasa for prioritising employment opportunities for local community members.
“By employing over 200 people, Valley Fresh Farm is not only contributing to the economic well-being of individuals but also to the overall development of our district,” Kabichi added.
Kabichi’s sentiments were echoed by local community members, who appreciate the positive impact of Valley Fresh Farm on their livelihoods. The initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to promote rural development and industrialisation, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
Meanwhile, Valley Fresh Farm and PaBuja Resort’s operations manager, Mr Brian Kanyongo has announced that their development policy is anchored on empowering local communities and ensure that they are well equipped with life essentials.
“The establishment of this facility is to make sure that all local communities are empowered and could therefore access same facilities and lifestyles which those in urban set-up are enjoying. We employ and pay them so that they have something to concentrate on and leave drugs and substances abuses,” Kanyongo said.
Valley Fresh Farm spokesperson and Managing Director, Mr Jonathan Chikasha also reiterated that they are empowering local communities through ensuring that they bring same facilities in urban areas directly into rural set-up to ensure the fit into global village.
“We are bringing same urban facilities to rural areas to ensure they realise President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rural industrialisation and the government’s policy on devolution. We are making sure that all rural communities are connected with all other communities globally,” Chikasha said.
“Establishment of modern infrastructure to these rural communities would therefore ensure inclusion from mainstream socio-economic, technological and environmental realities. We are making sure that we complement government’s rural industrialisation and tourism development initiatives,” Chikasha added.
As Mutoko Rural District Council continues to support local entrepreneurs and development initiatives, Valley Fresh Farm serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through innovation, hard work, and community commitment.
Mutoko Rural District Council’s mission is to promote sustainable development through the provision of quality services. The council aims to deliver efficient, transparent, and accountable services to meet the needs of its constituents.