adminMANICALAND should brace its self for radical changes in its execution and approach to work, as the provinces newly appointed Provincial Affairs Minister, Cde Mandi Chimene, vowed that “there is no room for sleepers anymore”.
Cde Chimene was appointed to her new position by President Mugabe last week, taking over the reins from Cde Chris Mushohwe, who is now Minister of Youths, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment.
Cde Chimene said there was no room for lackadaisical approach to work, both in the civil service and Zanu PF as she has a mandate to transform the Zimbabwe Agenda for Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset) from paper to reality.
Cde Chimene, who is MP for Makoni South, also declared that Manicaland must move from rhetoric to action by implementing workable strategies to raise agricultural productivity, improving critical infrastructure like roads, dams and irrigation and seek to eradicate poverty and hunger by increasing food and agricultural productivity.
“I am charged and ready to work. I am a tough leader who will push the developmental agenda of the province. My approach will be party-centred because my master, President Mugabe, wants Zim-Asset to work. I will shake up things and many are going to hate me for that.
“I am a hands-on person and will ensure that all Government and party initiatives are implemented in all districts,” said Cde Chimene, vowing that she would not hesitate to mow down those who shall stand in her way and sabotage her work.
Cde Chimene, who became the second woman to assume the influential post warned potential saboteurs – be they civil servants or politicians – that they risked trouble if they cross her path.
The firebrand Zanu PF deputy chief whip and Zimbabwe National Liberation war Veterans Association national spokesperson, said she has an open door policy, but will make sure it is not abused.
“I have come, and will be happy to work together with all stakeholders for the betterment of Manicaland. People should give me room to work with them and that is the only way we can get to work together. Not the other way round,” said Cde Chimene.
She said her major priority was to bring positive socio-economic transformation to Manicaland, a province that is endowed with natural resources — but has nothing to show for its lucrative diamonds and gold.
Cde Chimene takes over the reins at a time the province was confronted by a myriad of challenges that include dysfunctional Community Ownership Trusts, a case in hand being the Zimunya-Marange one which received a paltry $400 000 out of the promised $10 million for each mining concern at Chiadzwa diamond fields. The other challenges include food and nutritional security – which follows the province’s inability to produce enough to feed its fast growing population. There is greater need for the province to harness and harvest water for irrigation purposes while efforts will be required to rehabilitate dysfunctional ones. In the economic context, Manicaland faces challenges of company closures, which have seen a lot of people on the streets. Cde Chimene said she was incorruptible.
“I know some will try to sweet talk and entice me, but do not try me. Do not come with your fancy suits to me with all sorts of lies and devious proposals. I am here to save Manicaland from corruption,” said Cde Chimene.
Online Reporter