A first of its kind in Africa, Zimbabwe’s Zimbaqua mine is uniquely employing an entirely female workforce.

Located near Karoi, a town 200 km northwest of the capital Harare, Zimbaqua is changing the lives of women in the region.

Zimbaqua provides relief to the plight of women in the region, most of them unemployed. “My family suffered a great deal before I joined the mine,” said Sylvia Mugova, a miner and mother of five. “My children were consistently suspended from school due to lack of fees. My husband does not work. We also take care of my mother-in-law. All I wanted was an opportunity to provide for my family, and mining has given me that.”

Like many other women with little or no formal education, Mugova is one of 35 women employed by Zimbaqua.

However, the workforce can go up to 60, with other women taken in as contractors.

These are significant figures because only 15% of Zimbabwe’s 7,6 million women work as artisanal and small-scale miners.

The miners dig the 50-hectare surface for deposits of aquamarine, this is the name used for gem-quality specimens of the mineral beryl, a blue-hued stone highly prized by international wholesalers and jewellery designers.

The task is not easy as women use hammers weighing between 12 and 16 kilograms.

They are equally trained to manage chisels, drills and rock crushers to free the precious stones.

The workers receive a stable monthly salary of just under $300 in return.

In this male dominated industry, until recently, the stones were shipped to Bangkok for cutting and polishing.

However, the firm has begun training some women to take on these duties on-site – another empowering move.

The firm currently exports to India and Thailand; it is opening a jewellery line to showcase the aquamarine mined by its all-female workers.

“We are excited to start selling and exporting finished products. We hope to expand and create sustainable opportunities for more women in the country,” concluded Zindoga.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned affordable National Housing Programme across the country.

The Government under Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has successfully constructed housing schemes under the National Housing Programme in 34 States including the Federal Capital Territory.

So far, Federal Government has commissioned the National Housing Programme in Kaduna, Kogi, Delta, Imo, Osun, Nasarawa, Niger, Jigawa and in Edo State.

More of such commissioning are lined up to be commissioned by Mr. President.

Commissioning the 68 Units of Housing project in Edo State, Mr. President said: “This housing estate being commissioned today is an example of the fulfillment of the promise of change we made.”

Mr. President who was represented by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire said that the housing estates that were constructed in the 34 states of the federation was a clear manifestation of the progressive ideals of the present administration to improve the human condition of Nigerians.

“The micro, small and medium size businesses that drive the economy have unleashed a value chain of economic activities that improved the conditions of the ordinary Nigerians.

 “In the process, Nigerians at the bottom of the pyramid such as artisans, builders, skilled and unskilled workers and food vendors were not left out of this economic value chain.” 

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, said that as the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari draws to an end, there is great leap in completion of projects all over the federation.

Fashola further stated that the houses commissioned are opened to the general public in non-discriminating way by opening  of the National Housing Portal to ensure transparency in the bidding processes in acquiring the houses.

“We welcome those who can afford to pay outright, it is not a condition of eligibility and have offered flexible payment options like mortgage and rent to own which we encourage applicants to pursue,” Fashola added.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki thanked Mr. President for the laudable housing project.

While calling for more collaboration with the State Government and private sector participation in the housing industry, he said the National Housing Programme of the Federal Government complements what they are doing in Edo State.

Governor Obaseki added that the efforts of both the State and Federal Government would bridge the housing deficit and provide jobs for the youths in the construction industry.

He said: “It is pertinent to stress that building partnership and working closely with other arms of governments and the private sector and communities is critical in our development strategy.”

Governor Obaseki stressed that the state is willing and ready to collaborate with Federal Government to achieve the desired goal of providing shelter for Nigerians.

He identified mortgage institution as a major player in bridging housing deficit in the country.