Story by Tamuka Charakupa
ZANU PF has stepped up its mobilisation efforts in Chegutu, holding a campaign rally in Ward One as it seeks to retain the council seat in the forthcoming by-election scheduled for 21 February.
The by-election follows the death of opposition councillor Kempton Mukombwa, which left the ward vacant. The ruling party is fielding Cde Gift Konjana as its candidate.
Addressing supporters at the rally, party leaders said ZANU PF’s campaign is anchored on community-centred development and improved service delivery, pointing to ongoing interventions in water provision as evidence of progress in urban areas.
In Ward One, residents have benefited from the installation of solar-powered boreholes, a development that has eased persistent water shortages and improved access to clean water.
“We struggled for a long time without water, but since these boreholes were installed, things have changed,” said one resident. “We now have water closer to our homes, and life has become much easier for families.”
Senior party officials used the rally to call for unity and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the poll. ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, said strong party structures were key to sustaining development gains.
“As ZANU PF, we remain committed to strengthening our structures from the grassroots upwards. Unity, discipline and hard work are key to guaranteeing victory and sustainable development. The Second Republic has laid a foundation through people-centred programmes, and communities must consolidate these gains by actively participating in the development agenda,” he said.
ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Chairperson, Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, said unity within the party is critical to accelerating development and improving service delivery.
Our priority is development and improved service delivery. By working together, we will speed up the implementation of programmes and advance Vision 2030 to ensure inclusive growth and tangible benefits for communities,” she said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, said electoral victories are important in aligning leadership structures for smoother development implementation.
“When leadership structures are aligned from national to local level, development flows more efficiently. Devolution will deliver more effectively as resources and decision-making move closer to the people, resulting in visible transformation in communities.”
The by-election is expected to test party support in the ward as campaigning intensifies.
