By Own Correspondent

Bulawayo- INTERNATIONAL Labour Organisation (ILO) funded refurbishment of the Bulawayo SMEs Center has unlocked 200 new jobs amid hopes that if the model is adopted across the Metropolitan Province more jobs are likely to come on board.

Speaking to The Worker on the sidelines of the ILO organised media tour, Bulawayo SMEs Development Trust administrator, Retired Captain Dumile Sibanda said the project has immediately generated quick fruits.

“Over 100 jobs with a blend of permanent and part time have been generated as a result of the refurbished center attributable to the transformation of the working environment into a conducive center which now attracts well to do customers,” he said.

The SMEs representatives said the numerous trainings offered to those working at the center had gone a long way to eradicate “taxphobia” which he described as a negative perception against formalization.

“To this end, many of the SMEs have formalized their businesses and are now tax –compliant making them competitive to contest for lucrative tenders. It was our hope that going forward, if the model is adopted and spread in other areas within the province , more jobs will be created,” he said.

The project was inspired by the realisation that Zimbabwe is among the top five globally informalised economies making formalization of the SMEs sector the only reality to restore decent jobs in the country.

The developments come against a background where the ILO working in partnership with National Social Security Authority (NSSA) , National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and the Women’s Affairs Ministry renovated the Bulawayo SMEs Center in line with international best practices.

NSSA came on board to offer health and safety training while other stakeholders made relevant contributions in line with their lines of expertise.