Cuthbert Mashoko
Centre News Hub
MASVINGO — Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira, says the province is on track to realise its ambitious $8 billion economy target by 2030 under Vision 2030.
Speaking at Masvingo Polytechnic College during a ZANU PF Provincial Inter-District meeting on 23 August, Chadzamira said significant progress has been made in agriculture, mining, and value addition.
“As Masvingo Province, we hold 54% of the country’s water resources. The Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, the largest inland dam, is located here. We are using this advantage to turn the province into a greenbelt so that the nation reclaims its breadbasket status, and as Masvingo Province, the honour is on us,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted irrigation expansion and renewable energy as key gains.
“I am happy that the province has made significant strides in irrigation schemes. This is the way to go as we proactively position ourselves in the face of the adverse effects of climate change,” Chadzamira said.
He added that power generation at Lake Mutirikwi was another milestone.
“As Masvingo Province, we are now generating our own electricity and even feeding into the national grid. This is a positive development that eases pressure on the traditional source, Kariba Dam.”
Turning to value addition and beneficiation, Chadzamira cited Mwenezi District as a shining example.
“Mwenezi District is a living example of value addition and beneficiation. It boasts of the Amarula Mapfura plant, sesame plant, and Sab Meats, all contributing to value addition and beneficiation. This has created employment for locals while contributing to the National Gross Domestic Product through exporting finished products,” he said.
On mining, the Minister said Masvingo is endowed with 16 precious minerals including gold, diamonds, emeralds, chrome, and lithium.
“All these must be mined and processed for the benefit of our nation,” he noted.
Chadzamira challenged party leadership to remain united to ensure the attainment of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
“As leadership, let us continue to be united. Those who abuse social media to denigrate provincial leadership, be warned. Such behaviour has no place in ZANU PF,” he said.
Masvingo Province ZANU PF Chairperson, Senator Rabson Mavhenyengwa, hailed district leadership for the massive turnout.
“I am pleased with this attendance. This shows that we are adhering to the policies of our party. Let us continue to be united as we work towards fulfilling the aspirations of His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. Let us respect each other and pull in one direction,” Mavhenyengwa said.
Douglas Zvidzo, Mwenezi East Constituency Coordinator, said the meeting was impactful.
“The meeting was just electric; our leadership schooled us. We came, and we conquered. Now our task is to cascade what we learnt to the grassroots in our districts,” Zvidzo said.
The Provincial Inter-District meeting was also attended by members of the Elders Council, led by Council Secretary Dr. David Parirenyatwa, and ZANU PF stalwart Josiah Hungwe.
