Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE Presidential Constituency Empowerment Programme has been rolled out in Chimanimani District as ZANU PF continues to expand its empowerment initiatives across the country.
This latest disbursement marks another milestone in the programme’s nationwide implementation as each constituency will receive US$25 000.
Local legislators expressed satisfaction with the programme.
“Here in Chimanimani East, we had the highest votes during the last elections in comparison to other constituencies within the province in Manicaland. We want to thank you for the empowerment fund. It will be a revolving fund to benefit more people. I also want to thank the UAE Business development advisor to the president, Dr Paul Tungwarara for giving the village Chairpersons bicycles,” Chimanimani, East Legislator, Cde Joshua Sacco said.
“I am very happy today. A woman was given US$10 000 for a medical procedure from my constituency. I am very happy with the empowerment drive,” Chimanimani West legislator, Honourable Wilson Maposa said.
The local community is grateful to the Second Republic for its continued support.
“We are so excited to receive empowerment funds. We are going to start our own projects,” a beneficiary said.
“It is pleasing that the empowerment drive is supporting the veterans of the liberation struggle who are going to benefit from the construction of a health facility,” a war veteran said.
“The US$10 000 given to the woman to get treatment is something that should be appreciated,” a constituency member said.
The Provincial Leadership is confident that the support will facilitate socio-economic development.
“We need to remain united to receive these empowerment funds. Unity under the leadership of President Mnangagwa is needed to achieve Vision 2030,” ZANU PF Provincial Chairperson, Cde Tawanda Mukodza said.
“We are here in Machongwe Chimanimani, thanking our President for his empowerment drive. The empowerment funds should be utilised effectively. We assure you that the money will be put to good use. We appeal for support to lure more investments to promote tourism growth,” Manicaland, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said.
Amidst these developments, Dr Tungwarara, cautioned the beneficiaries against misuse of the funds.
“I have been sent by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to disburse funds here in Chimanimani. The Presidential Constituency Empowerment Funds are from President Mnangagwa, who is a visionary leader. The empowerment fund has come to draw more support for the President. President Mnangagwa fulfills his promises. Those who compose songs you should write songs praising President Mnangagwa and not Tungwarara.
“I heard the money given to Vendors4ED was misused and should be returned very quickly. I heard that the money was taken by the top executive. There are affiliates who have been given money and have set good examples. We want to see projects or money. These funds reflect the vision and compassionate heart of our president. The money is for projects and not for you to misuse it. The money should generate employment and promote economic growth,” he said.
A woman, Milia Gadyasa, who has a growth on her face, was given US$10 000 for treatment, while the Chiefs who attended the event got US$2 000 each.
Other developments that have been lined up include the establishment of a local clinic for veterans of the liberation struggle and the rehabilitation of roads and bridges in Chimanimani under the work-for-money programme.
