Govt committed to improving chiefs’ welfare

FORMER Harare Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni

Sukoluhle Ndlovu Midlands Correspondent
GOVERNMENT is committed to improve the welfare of traditional leaders, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo has said. In a speech read on his behalf by Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Owen Ncube at the installation ceremony of Chief Bankwe and Chief Mposi last week, Minister Moyo pledged Government’s support to traditional leaders.

“Let me also hasten to point that our Government is continuously enhancing the status of chiefs for the betterment of their lives through provision of electricity to their homes and vehicles for administration.

So far six chiefs’ homesteads have been electrified, the project is going on and we expect all chiefs to benefit from the electrification programme.

“Chiefs are no mere custodians of cultural, spiritual and moral values but should occupy the centre stage of all aspects of development in their areas of jurisdiction,” said Minister Moyo.
He encouraged chiefs to use resources at their disposal to develop their communities.

“They should endeavour to cooperate and coordinate with others not only in their areas but also at district, provincial and national levels for the betterment of their areas. Chiefs should use all their acumen and all resources at their disposal to accomplish their duties and responsibilities,” said Minister Moyo.

Minister Moyo urged chiefs to be fair when executing their duties to earn credibility.
“Chiefs must always be fair and just when executing their duties bearing in mind that the institution of chieftainship over which they preside is held with respect and esteem by the Government and the people as enshrined in our constitution.
Chiefs must be exemplary as both private and public figures,” he said.

He said Government was working tirelessly to renovate Jeka-Tandavari bridge swept away by Cyclone Dineo cutting out communities.

“Cyclone Dineo which hit Zimbabwe did much damage to many communities in Mberengwa District. Crops, livestock and bridges were swept away and several families were left homeless.

Of note Jeka-Tandavari bridge which links Mberengwa North and Mberengwa West.
Nevertheless, Government of Zimbabwe through relevant ministries is working flat out to renovate the bridge as a quick win solution to link communities,” said Cde Moyo.