Story by Gay Matambo
MWENEZI – THE ruling party, ZANU PF, continues to intensify its development agenda by rolling out people-centred empowerment projects in rural communities, in line with the national vision of achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
This Monday, Mwenezi East legislator Honourable Sheilla Chikomo took the empowerment drive to Turf area in Ward 15, where she unveiled a funding package of nearly US$15 000 to support local communities in launching income-generating projects aimed at improving livelihoods.
The initiatives, set to benefit all wings of the ruling party within the ward – include poultry farming, fish farming, and goat rearing, identified as viable ventures for sustainable income in rural settings.
“We are grateful for such initiatives meant to uplift us. Our area is still developing and needs this kind of support,” said one of the beneficiaries said.
“An empowered community is a happy community. What we are experiencing is a first of its kind, and we are now reaping the benefits of ZANU PF’s developmental vision,” another added.
“As women, we are most thankful for this programme because we will now be able to fend for our families,” another beneficiary echoed.
To date, similar projects have been implemented in five wards across the constituency, with the initiative receiving overwhelming support from the local communities.
Honourable Chikomo emphasised the party’s commitment to empowering communities to become self-reliant.
“This is an ongoing programme. We want our people to be empowered and to stop relying on handouts. As the President always says ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ , we are fulfilling our promises to the electorate,” she said.
Speaking at the launch event held at Turf Primary School, Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustainable rural development.
“The Second Republic is rolling out several developmental projects similar to what is being launched here today. Village and school business units are being established to improve food security and educational outcomes. A borehole is being drilled here to support the programme, a clear demonstration that we are not merely making promises, but delivering on them,” he said.
ZANU PF Masvingo Provincial Chairperson, Cde Robson Mavenyengwa, underscored the alignment of the projects with the national thrust of leaving no one and no place behind.
“We can all see the tangible results of the ruling party’s work. Our government, under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is people-centred. It is our collective responsibility to support our leadership and continue driving development,” he stated.
Rural empowerment remains at the core of Vision 2030, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa continuously introducing various initiatives to ensure rural communities play a part in economic development.
