Harare — MASHONALAND West Governor and Resident Minister Faber Chidarikire has hailed the construction of the Zimbabwe Diamond Technology Centre that is expected to create more than 10 000 jobs while adding value to the country's gems.

Governor Chidarikire was speaking at the official launch and tour of the construction site at Mt Hampden just outside Harare.

"Whilst Zimbabwe does not have the capacity for every individual to become miners, this has created an opportunity for all to become participants in this project.

"As you might be aware that more than 10 000 jobs are going to be created upon completion of this project," he said.

He said proceeds from diamond sales would improve revenue inflows into the fiscus.

The construction of the US$13 million ZDTC is the brainchild of Mr Lovemore Kurotwi and is being constructed by Government, Canadile Miners and some foreign investors.

"I would like to thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces of the Republic of Zimbabwe (Cde Mugabe) for the construction of such a facility which, when properly administered, shall no doubt technically remove the effects of the illegally imposed sanctions," he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Canadile Miners chairperson Mr Cougan Matanhire said the ZTDC would add value to the diamond industry.

"The centre will transform rough diamonds into polished diamonds.

"Botswana and Namibia have similar centres and we are going to create new jobs in excess of 7 000.

"It is a concept to ensure that there is maximum benefit for Zimbabweans from its diamonds," he said.

Diamonds will be cut, polished and marketed through the centre.

It will also house a diamond auction floor, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme offices and banks.

The centre will also benefit special interest groups like war veterans, youths, the disabled, widows and women among others.

Stakeholders in the diamond industry including Manicaland and Harare Governors and Resident Ministers Christopher Mushohwe and David Karimanzira respectively attended the event.

"Zimbabwe will never be a colony again economically unless we come up with policies and programmes that Zimbabweans will not be spectators," Minister Mushohwe said.

He said it was gratifying that some Zimbabweans had come up with smart partnerships with foreigners to prevent the exploitation of the country's resources by individuals from unfriendly countries.

The Chiadzwa diamond fields are in Manicaland.