Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
GUTU EAST -AS the Gutu East Parliamentary by-election slated for June 14 draws near, the ruling ZANU PF party has called for peace, unity, and active community participation in ongoing development programmes.
Speaking at a campaign rally held at Magombedze Chitsa in Gutu, ZANU PF Politburo Member and Minister of State for National Security, Cde Lovemore Matuke, underscored the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral period.
“As we approach the Election Day, as ZANU PF party we continue to call for unity amongst ourselves. We will continue conducting our rallies in a peaceful manner and as a party we are known to be peaceful. Our President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa is always calling for peace and unity among ourselves,” he said.
Community members were also encouraged to participate in government-led development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, particularly in rural areas.
Addressing attendees, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Honourable Anxious Masuka, outlined key initiatives already benefiting the Gutu East community.
“The government is implementing a number of programmes in our communities and I am happy that many of you are beneficiaries of those programme. These include the village business units, pfumvudza intwasa programme, poultry projects and livestock projects. These are programmes initiated by our President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa and they are meant to uplift community livelihoods. It is very important that you take advantage of those programmes to empower yourselves,” he said.
Villagers expressed satisfaction with progress made in the constituency, particularly around the Ruti Irrigation Scheme and the expansion of village business units, which have helped increase year-round agricultural productivity.
“We are happy with the developments around Ruti. The planned irrigation scheme will transform this region into a greenbelt,” a beneficiary said.
“As women, the village business unit projects have enabled us to farm throughout the year. It is improving our lives,” a member of the project said.
ZANU PF’s candidate for Gutu East, Cde Zvarevashe Masvingise, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to grassroots development.
“As we approach elections, we are happy with the peaceful environment that continue to prevail. As Gutu we are ready for development and we will ensure all programmes introduced in our area become a success,” the candidate said.
The Gutu East by-election follows the expulsion of former legislator Benjamin Ganyiwa, and will see three candidates contesting the seat: Cde Zvarevashe Masvingise (ZANU PF), Gift Gonese (Independent), and Zivanai Nzvenga (NCA).
