Chimanimani receives Presidential empowerment funds

Samuel Kadungure
News Editor

Presidential Special Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara this afternoon disbursed US$25 000 in Presidential Constituency Empowerment Funds to Chimanimani East and Chimanimani West constituencies, as part of efforts to bolster local development and Cyclone Idai reconstruction initiatives.
Addressing thousands of Zanu PF supporters at Machongwe Business Centre in Chimanimani, Dr Tungwarara, who was last week recommended for co-optation into the ruling party Central Committee, pledged to construct a clinic for war veterans and launch a money-for-work programme aimed at rehabilitating public infrastructure destroyed by Cyclone Idai in the district.
He sternly warned recipients of the various Presidential Empowerment Funds against misusing them, cautioning that consequences for abuse would be dire and regrettable.
The disbursement brings to 10 the number of constituencies in Manicaland that have received funds, with Chipinge East, Chipinge Central, Chipinge South, Mutema-Musikavanhu, Buhera East, Buhera West, Buhera Central, and Buhera North having already benefited.
Three constituencies in Mutasa and five in Makoni are set to receive their share early next week.
Dr Tungwarara’s visit underscored President Mnangagwa’s commitment to supporting local development and rebuilding efforts in cyclone-affected areas.
Dr Tungwarara called for unity and hard work in Manicaland, which he said deserved total empowerment and recognition for the role it played during the liberation struggle.
“I have been sent by the President to distribute the empowerment funds to the two constituencies in Chimanimani. The funds are from President Mnangagwa, who is a visionary and caring leader. We did not come with the funds to cause confusion, war or create factions. No, these funds are meant to support your work as MPs, DCCs or Ministers. We never come to unseat anyone from their positions, no, that’s not how we do things. If you have been criticised for doing nothing, now this is the opportunity to make a positive impact. You have been empowered by the President to make an impact, and spread his good works. The President always honours his word. We should only praise the President, not any other person. Leaders are put in positions by God, and no individual can the President from power, only God who put him in that position can do that in due time. Now he has brought you bicycles, seed maize, and the next is fertiliser,” he said.
Dr Tungwarara said previous empowerment initiatives were being abused by the leadership, depriving the grassroots of Presidential support. He gave an ultimatum for those who abused the Vendors 4 ED funds, and shared US$1 000, instead of helping the vendors themselves, to return the money.
He said there is now a committee making an audit of the Presidential Empowerment Funds, to verify either existence of the funds or the projects.
“The funds are a reflection of the vision and compassionate heart of the President. Approach it with a sacred heart of responsibility. This is not a bribe, but support to make an impact on the ground. We don’t want the funds to be abused by those at the top,” he said.
He warned MPs against abuse of the US$25 000, saying the money was meant for the people to start projects, not for individuals.
“This is not a handout, but a revolving fund. This money is for projects, and not for you to misuse. It should create employment and promote economic growth,” he said.
Dr Tungwarara also introduced money-for-work programmes to repair public infrastructure. Communities will provide locally available materials, beginning with Chimanimani district, which was ravaged by Cyclone Idai, and a clinic for war veterans, which will have an ambulance, which will cater for their health needs.
ZANU PF provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza said if the province was not united, it would have missed the empowerment opportunity.
“I am advising unity in the province, supporting the President, and Vision 2030 so that empowerment can be actualised. I want to warn those from other provinces against sowing seeds of disunity in Manicaland. We support President Mnangagwa, and there is no vacancy, be content with where you are. We rally behind President Mnangagwa ONLY,” said Cde Mukodza.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza thanked President Mnangagwa for various empowerment initiatives in the province.
“We thank you for the empowerment funds, we need to use them responsibly. We should not misuse the empowerment funds. I had a word with MPs, and the President will be impressed with the transparent use of the funds. The province needs investment in tourism, we are endowed with ideal centres. We need people who build hotels, creating employment for the locals,” he said.
Chimanimani East legislator, Honourable Joshua Sacco, thanked the President for sending his advisor with the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund to the two constituencies, bicycles, and a truckload of seed.