For decades, Ngundu business Centre in Chibi District was known just as a transport junction linking Triangle and Chiredzi with Zimbabwe's main trade artery through the Harare-Beitbridge road.
Until the construction of the 1.8 billion cubic meter Tokwe Mukosi Dam, Ngundu was just a drive-through centre with a service station, bottle shops and perhaps negligible outlets.
The only relief was perhaps the scenery and a hotel built in the rocks blending with nature as you drive towards Beitbridge.
But today, following the accidental discovery of lithium deposits just three kilometres from the centre, Ngundu is in the limelight and there is new hope for perhaps one of Zimbabwe’s impoverished districts with a population estimated at 153 000.
“We are hopeful that this discovery will turn a new page in our district,” Chibi Rural District Council chief executive Tariro Matavire said.
“We hope employment, development and uplifting of lives come with this discovery.
“We await official communications as a local authority, but we are excited and very excited at this development.
“We are confident those responsible will do what is expected and have locals benefiting from this development.”
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Reports said road construction workers stumbled on the lithium deposits along the Harare- Beitbridge highway near Ngundu.
It is believed the deposits are huge.
The site of the proposed mine is interesting. Its discovery is more fascinating.
A treacherous sharp curve on the foot of Chirongwe Hill just before Chivake stream carries the hopes of Chivi.
It lies in Chimanyiwa Village at what is perhaps Harare to Beitbridge road’s most difficult terrain for road construction work.
heavy earthmoving machines cut through the side of the hill into what is now known as a huge deposit of the world's most sought after mineral.
Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development spokesman, one Munetsi, had promised to give further details about the discovery of the mineral but did not.
But Chimanyiwa villagers believe the mine between Bangaugwe and Chirongwe Hills will be a game changer.
“It is in my village and many youths in this area will benefit if things are done properly,” Fana Zivanai Chimanyiwa said.
“We are already looking at everything which comes with mines including electricity, better schools for our children, a hospital and many other downstream developments coming with mines.
“In other areas we hear investors adopt schools and we pray that also comes to us.”
Chimanyiwa, (74) said he was disappointed no government officials approached them to announce the discovery.
Officials from Harare flew in two helicopters and held their meeting on site and flew back to the capital without talking to villagers.
A local taxi driver Future Mlambo said he hoped to get a job as an equipment operator and eagerly waited for that opportunity.
“We hope they will employ us", said Mlambo.
Another villager Benjamin Chinyama said he hoped politicians would not loot the mineral.
“We have heard of cases where villagers remain empty-handed and pray our situation will be different," he said.
Chivi South Member of Parliament Felix Maburutse said he was waiting for Mines and Mineral Resources ministry communication about the lithium discovery.
Some development experts said lithium beneficiation factories should be established in the proximity of the mines to spread development.
