Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
ALL 26 constituencies in Manicaland – will by Sunday – have received their share of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund – President Mnangagwa’s empowerment drive, aimed at supporting community development projects and income-generating initiatives in the province, with focus then shifting towards ensuring the effective utilisation of the funds, accountability and transparency.
The US$25 000 per constituency is expected to support various projects, and stakeholders are urging beneficiaries to adhere to guidelines and ensure that the resources are utilised effectively, to avoid being caught offside through party-led audits.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza on Wednesday warned that abuse of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund will have severe repercussions, potentially costing the political careers of some officials, as intended beneficiaries and the party will not tolerate mismanagement.
“The Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund is a noble initiative by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, aimed at empowering our people at the grassroots level. It is not a slove to buy votes or enrich individuals, but a tool to drive development in our communities. We will not hesitate to take action against anyone found guilty of misusing these funds. The party will not tolerate corruption, nepotism or ineptitude in the management of this fund. We are watching, and we will act swiftly against those who seek to undermine the President’s vision to empower the grassroots.
“The fund should be allowed to revolve, making a tangible impact on communities, rather than being squandered through cash handouts or lining the pockets of a few individuals aligned to certain leaders. We expect accountability and transparency in the utilisation of these funds, and those responsible for its abuse will face the full wrath of the law. The party has a mechanism to audit utilisation of the fund. We are committed to ensure that the fund benefits our people, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that it does,” said Cde Mukodza.
Cde Mukodza announced that on Sunday, Presidential Special Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara will visit Mutare, where the remaining three constituencies – Dangamvura, Chikanga, and Mutare Central – will receive their allocation of US$25 000.
“Dr Tungwarara’s visit to Mutare will mark the culmination of the disbursement process, with all 26 constituencies in Manicaland receiving their share of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund. The fund is a demonstration of the President’s commitment to empower our people at the grassroots level. We are grateful for the support and look forward to see the positive impact it will have on our communities,” he said.
Dr Tungwarara was in Nyanga last week, where he disbursed the fund to Nyanga North and Nyanga South, bringing to 23 the number of constituencies that have each received US$25 000 for grassroots party-empowerment programmes.
Dr Tungwarara also disbursed US$50 000 to war collaborators, ex-political detainees and restrictees, non-combatant cadres, and widows of fallen heroes, respectively, and US$20 000 for a local clinic, as well as Starlink kits for 40 schools in Nyanga South.
He pledged to provide Starlink kits for all schools in the province before the end of the year.
“The Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund is a game-changer for our communities. We are committed to ensuring that it is utilised effectively to drive development and empower our people. Starlink kits will revolutionise the way our schools access information and we are committed to ensuring that every school in the province benefits from this initiative,” said Dr Tungwarara.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said Nyanga is the hub of tourism in Manicaland, and its public infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals and schools, internet connectivity, should be in good condition to entice visitors.
Minister Mugadza also urged recipients of the empowerment funds to avoid cash disbursements and instead invest in projects directly, adding that Government is in the process of investing in potato value-addition equipment in Nyanga.
Nyanga North legislator, Honourable Chido Sanyatwe expressed satisfaction with the launch of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund, a first since 1980.
She said Nyanga North was solidly behind President Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU PF, with all 15 wards in the constituency belonging to the ruling party.
She denounced the spirit of bhora musango spirit in the district, and hailed President Mnangagwa for the Rwenya Road rehabilitation, schools, and health institutions.
She also called for the empowerment of artisanal miners in Nyanga, saying they are being harassed and dispossessed of their claims by more affluent individuals from outside the province.
Nyanga South MP, Honourable Supa Mandiwanzira thanked President Mnangagwa for his astute leadership, which has transformed Manicaland, through empowerment programmes and selflessness.
He cited the Bhinya Road, which has been a concern since 1980, and said Government has been upgrading it in phases, with the wish being its completion.
He said the Tangwena community wants the road from Tombo to Honde Valley rehabilitated, as well as the development of the 30 megawatt plant in the area, which has stalled over the years.
