Bulilima community fundraises for a hall

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

PEOPLE from Nyele/Tokwane in Bulilima West have been encouraged to develop their area first before seeking greener pastures outside the country as their area is lagging behind mainly because able-bodied members of the community are migrating to South Africa.

This was said by the Minister of State in the office of the Vice-President Cde Constantino Chiwenga, Mrs Eveline Ndlovu during a fundraising event for a community hall at Nyele Business Centre yesterday. Senator for Bulilima and Mangwe Cde Simon Khaya-Moyo was also set to grace the occasion but could not make it due to other commitments.

“We must strive to develop our own area before we think of going to South Africa to seek greener pastures. Look at how many of our people are being killed every day in xenophobic attacks, these children are better off here working and improving their home area,” she said.

Mrs Ndlovu said it was wise that the locals work to develop irrigation schemes that will employ them and in turn develop their area more.

“We have rain water that is being lost as the area has no dams, instead we must have the Government building dams which will lead to the growth of irrigation schemes that employ these same children whom we are sending to South Africa. They must work here first,” she added.

Mrs Ndlovu stressed that locals should desist from the begging mentality.

Member of Parliament for Bulilima West Cde Dingimuzi Phuthi told the villagers that they must also be productive and not wait for handouts.

“There is hunger that affects us year after year; some people then do not attempt to grow crops saying they benefit from food parcels from the Government. They also sell inputs for farming that they would have received. We don’t want such. Those that would have benefited from feeding schemes and Presidential inputs must equally be productive,” he said.

Cde Phuthi said it was important that villagers had come for the fundraising event for a community hall which is now at slab level. He praised youths from the community who donated cement towards the project. The community, youths, businesspeople and well-wishers donated 61 bags of cement, a door frame and some cash during the event.

Bulilima Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr John Brown Ncube stressed the need for a piped water scheme and said plans were underway to see the birth of that project. He said the community was getting water from very far places as their traditional sources, Tegwane and Moza rivers have dried up.

Minister Ndlovu also donated a solar-powered incubator and $1 000 for women to kick-start self-help projects.