The ManicaPost
From Abel Zhakata in Chipinge
Government is not embarking on piece meal rehabilitation works in Chipinge and Chimanimani but is taking a holistic approach to implement sweeping rural industrialisation strategies in the two districts, President Mnangagwa has said.
While addressing thousands of villagers at Ngaone High School in Chipinge after holding a closed door meeting with chiefs and Government ministers, the President said the disastrous effects of Cyclone Idai were an eye opener.
The chiefs from the two districts led by Chief Mutema handed President Mnangagwa a list of grievances touching on the effects of Cyclone Idai and broader concerns affecting their communities and development. President Mnangagwa promised them that Government would quickly resolve their concerns and grievances. He said meaningful reconstruction can only be achieved with the input and blessings of traditional leaders.
President Mnangagwasaid following the cyclone disaster, Government departments quickly embarked on a rescue mission and in the process left out traditional leaders.
“We have asked for forgiveness and we have been forgiven. Our chiefs have registered a lot of grievances which we will act on in order to bring about rural industrialisation to the two districts,” he said
The President said massive road reconstruction would be done to anchor rural development.
“My ministers are not going to leave this place until all the roads are rehabilitated. We are not talking of repairing only those that were washed away but upgrading the whole network. Those that need to be tarred will be tarred for sure. Schools that were damaged are going to be rehabilitated. We have already given the Ministry of Education money to rebuild the schools
“We received enough medication for various ailments. I want to praise doctors here for making personal sacrifices to assist affected communities. They are doing a great job and we have given them enough supplies,” he said.
Turning to the exploration of various agricultural and mineral endowments in the districts as presented by the chiefs, the President Mnangagwa said more needs to be done to promote tourism, horticulture as well as ensuring that diamonds that are being mined here benefit locals like what is happening in Chiadzwa.
He said Government was going to relocate families from disaster prone areas to safe locations with the help of traditional leaders. Strong modern houses would be constructed by Government with the help of private entities that pledged to support
