adminHarare Bureau
Zimbabweans must expect decent accommodation and improved social services which MDC-T led councils failed to deliver in the past 10 years, outgoing Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo has said.In an interview after President Robert Mugabe’s inauguration at the National Sports Stadium yesterday, Minister Chombo said what MDC-T councils failed to deliver to people would be provided since people restored their confidence in Zanu-PF.
“President Mugabe’s inauguration signifies an opportunity for people to have decent accommodation and better social services in the next five years,” he said.
“The inauguration comes after a vigorous election campaign and the victory means President Mugabe was given an opportunity by the people to deliver issues they have been promised. To him, perennial problems such as accommodation are expected to be prioritised.
“The existing infrastructure and housing was designed by the whites without the intention of accommodating blacks. The Government is expected to avail land for flats and ordinary houses for the majority who did not have decent accommodation.”
Minister Chombo said Government would look at salaries and feasibility when allocating accommodation to people under the new Government with the main focus prioritising civil servants.
“There will be credible programmes from new local authorities who will be supervised by provincial councils,” he said. “Small budgets will be given to local authorities and it is an opportunity to embark on what has not been done in the past 10 years.”
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West supporter Cde Vengai Musengi said President Mugabe’s inauguration symbolised the dawn of a new era in local governments.
“Scrapping of rates for ratepayers is evidence enough to show President Mugabe has the people’s interest at heart,” he said. “MDC-T councillors concentrated on enriching themselves and taking houses from the disadvantaged which we hope is going to be reversed.
“Economic sanctions hindered some programmes which were to benefit people and with the support given to Zimbabweans by other Heads of State who came to witness the inauguration, it is proof enough that we can survive without Western countries as long as other African countries support us.”
Online Reporter