Story by Mercy Matinha
THE ruling ZANU PF party has expressed confidence in clinching the Masvingo Ward 7 council seat in the by-election scheduled for September 13.
The party’s provincial leadership visited Ward 7 in Masvingo Urban to rally support for its candidate, Cde Simbarashe Shonhiwa, with residents pledging to vote in favour of development programmes spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Local residents highlighted improvements in roads, the establishment of new schools, and various empowerment initiatives as evidence of the government’s commitment to transforming livelihoods under the devolution programme.
“We are happy with the programmes that our government is implementing in this area, all meant to improve people’s lives. Through the devolution programme we have seen our roads being improved and the establishment of new schools in this area,” one resident said.
“We are beneficiaries of empowerment programmes by our government, including poultry projects and empowerment funds. Hence, in this by-election we are going to vote for development,” another added.
ZANU PF Masvingo Provincial Chairperson, Cde Robson Mavhenyengwa, expressed confidence in the party’s chances.
“As a party we are confident that we are going to win this council seat because people have seen that ZANU PF is the only party concerned about people’s welfare. Nothing much has been done by the opposition in this ward, but despite that the ruling party has been implementing programmes to improve people’s livelihoods,” he said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, echoed similar sentiments.
“We are happy that the people of Ward 7 have gathered in their numbers to support our candidate Cde Simbarashe Shonhiwa. I assure this community that the ZANU PF-led government is committed to ensuring improved livelihoods. I urge you to take advantage of all the development programmes coming your way to uplift your lives,” he said.
The party’s candidate, Cde Shonhiwa, said his campaign has been made easier by President Mnangagwa’s development agenda.
“I am happy that I will be representing the people’s party, and our campaign in this ward was made easier by the work done by our President Cde Mnangagwa. Where we are standing, Rujeko Secondary School was established under the devolution programme. We have also seen a number of solar-powered boreholes being established to improve access to clean and safe water,” he said.
The Masvingo Urban Ward 7 seat fell vacant following the death of former councillor Tafara Masimba.
Five candidates are contesting the by-election.
