Wenslus Murape
Fungai Lupande
SENATOR Dr James Makamba, representing Mt Darwin, has built the first senatorial office for his district to allow people to reach him while he addresses their grievances promptly.
The Mandave constituency senatorial house is the first office established by a senator, creating a communication channel between the electorate and their elected representatives, despite the constraints of parliamentary work.
Many people have struggled to contact their elected representatives, often resorting to approaching them at public events or visiting their homes.
However, this is no longer necessary for the four constituencies in Mt Darwin, following the construction of a fully-equipped office with a guest room, waiting room, and other essential facilities.
The office not only facilitates communication but also provides information on government projects and policies, record-keeping, and a venue for shelter during meetings.
During the official opening of the Mandave House on Friday, Senate President Mabel Chinomoma stated that the construction of the senatorial house exemplifies leadership that unites people and added that it is the first in the country.
She commended Senator Makamba for prioritising the needs of the people and emphasised the importance of elected representatives staying connected to their constituents.
“You selected a leader who values people and puts them first. Some elected representative forgets the electorate and what was done here is very important,” she said.
She added that Senator Makamba might not always be in the office but he will be alerted on every development.
The construction of the senatorial office stands as a lesson to Members of Parliament (MPs).
Chinomona revealed that some MPs did not collect the constituency development fund (CDF) availed by the Government for the development of the constituencies.
She also donated two sewing machines for a women’s garment-making project.
Senator Makamba expressed his commitment to serving his people with dedication and integrity, highlighting that the office in Mt. Darwin reflects his accessibility and presence.
“As your senator, I am here to listen, to understand and act on behalf of this community. My vision is to work tirelessly to address the challenges we face and seize opportunities for growth and development,” he said.
“Together we will focus on improving the quality of life, better access to health care, advancing education opportunities, infrastructure development and enhancing food security.”
He pledged to work closely with the four MPs in Mt Darwin.
He has his dream for a modern Mt Darwin was underpinned by President Mnangagwa’s philosophy that leaving no one and no place behind, we will build our country.
The district came up with a Mandave constituency development committee whose motto is, strength in unity, empowering community for development
Their role is to identify areas to explore development.
Mt. Darwin South MP Kudakwashe Mupamhanga expressed gratitude for the office which he said provides a conducive environment for meetings.
He added that Senator Makamba is focused on development.
“When we have such leaders let us not ask for trivial things but help with empowering projects. The office is beautiful and we are proud as a district,” he said.
Elizabeth Shongedza said the office has made life easy for people in the marginalised areas of the district.
“We have some village close to Mozambique who which to meet the Senator. With this office, even when he is not around, the information will be relayed to him,” he said.
“We used to reach him on his mobile phone, and when he failed to respond, we became angry.”
Ester Sigauke from Mutwa village in Mt Darwin West said he hopes other senators and MPs will learn from Senator Makamba.
“We used to talk to him after public events, and many people would surround his car to get a chance to talk to him. Sometimes, we would call him, and it was not conducive to having meetings.”
Chief Kandeya said the office provides an opportunity for chiefs to meet the senator and discuss challenges and economic development issues in a comfortable environment.
Online Reporter