SW Radio Africa<\/a> (London)<\/p>\nAlex Bell<\/p>\n
2 December 2011<\/p>\n
\nJob opportunities in Bulawayo are set to increase in the near future, after National Foods announced it was reopening its flour mill in the city.<\/p>\n
The food company announced this week that Bulawayo Governor Cain Mathema would officially reopen the mill, which ceased operations in 2010.<\/p>\n
“The reopening of the flour mill is intended to help the company cope with increased demand for flour that normally occurs at this time of the year, as people prepare for the festive season and start baking Christmas cakes,” said a company statement.<\/p>\n
The reopening of the plant will be a welcome boost in the local job market, which has dried up with the closure of major industry in the city. Unemployment in Zimbabwe is also believed to be at least 90%.<\/p>\n
The government has since set up a US$40 million fund to resuscitate business in Bulawayo, which was once known as the hub of industry in Zimbabwe. Pressure is mounting of the authorities to release this money.<\/p>\n
But Industry and Commerce Minister Welshman Ncube said last month that companies will have to wait while government finalises ‘modalities’ of chanelling the funds.<\/p>\n
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