happiness Chikwanha
Conrade Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
At least 11 schools and several clinics in Mhangura constituency recently received 30 tonnes of cement acquired through the constituency development fund (CDF) for construction and refurbishment purposes.
White former commercial farmers in the area were serviced by a few schools and clinics, but the influx of people during the fast track land reform in 2000 increased the demand.
The CDF facility dovetails well with the Government agenda for improved infrastructure and a better health and education sector.
The Government, which is implementing the devolution concept, has called for proper use of funds to benefit everyone, particularly those from marginalised areas.
While handing over the cement to the representatives of the schools and clinics drawn from all the eight wards in her constituency, Mhangura legislator Cde Precious Chinhamo-Masango challenged development committees to construct durable infrastructure.
She said the 30 tonnes of cement were purchased in March, but failed to be handed over to the beneficiaries due to the lockdown announced by President Mnangagwa during the same period to curtail the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
“I have been to several schools around the constituency and I realised most of them need a facelift,” she said. “In choosing the institutions that benefited, I considered the deplorable state at some of them and I did so in liaison with the Constituency Development Fund Committee.
“It is, however, imperative for the development committees to construct durable structures that will last for generations to come.”
Representatives of the schools lauded the move and called for concerted and spirited efforts from communities to augment Government’s efforts.
“It is now up to the communities to join hands and have feasible plans that will support the government’s CDF initiative,” said Mhangura Mine Primary School development committee chairperson, Viola Kapita.
“Communities are thus expected to provide manpower and other resources for the construction.”
Ward 2 Councillor, Cde Lucky Machawira said: “This is the first time a sitting MP in our area has done this. We are in the farming community where former commercial farmers never prioritised the development of schools’ infrastructure.”
Some of the schools and clinics that benefited included Scaffel, Cheuchi, Mhangura, Mtunzi and Gravelotte, and Murereka Clinic.
Online Reporter