Story by John Nhandara
GOVERNMENT has intensified its push for inclusive grassroots economic growth through the rollout of the Presidential Constituency Economic Development Fund, with three constituencies in Manicaland receiving direct financial support for community-based projects.
Mutare West, Mutare South and Mutare North constituencies have each received US$25 000 under the fund, which is designed to provide seed capital for income-generating initiatives at constituency level. The funding is structured as a revolving facility to ensure sustainability and wider community benefit.
Beneficiaries welcomed the intervention, describing it as a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to decentralised development and improved livelihoods.
“This initiative shows that government cares about the people at grassroots level,” beneficiaries said, adding that the revolving nature of the fund would allow more community members to benefit over time.
The Presidential Constituency Economic Development Fund is aimed at narrowing development disparities by channeling resources directly to communities, enabling them to identify and implement projects that respond to local economic needs.
UAE Business Development Advisor to the President, Dr Paul Tungwarara, said the programme was empowering communities across the country and would eventually reach every village.
”This empowerment fund has benefited and empowered communities and will reach every village.”
ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, said the fund was part of broader economic reforms driving growth across various sectors.
“Zimbabwe has one of the fastest growing GDP and a lot is happening across all sectors,” he said.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds prudently, noting that the province was also benefiting from complementary development programmes, including irrigation infrastructure.
”Lets utilise the funds wisely. A lot is happening in our province, including irrigation facilities,” he said.
ZANU PF Women’s League Secretary for Administration, Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, called on women to take advantage of the empowerment programmes to improve household incomes and economic participation.
In addition to the cash disbursements, the constituencies also received agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, as well as bicycles to support mobility and productivity at community level.
The Presidential Constituency Economic Development Fund has been rolled out in several provinces, including Matabeleland North, as government accelerates efforts to mainstream local economic development and uplift communities nationwide.
