Matabeleland South to forge ahead with development projects

Sione Amidu, Sunday News Correspondent

THE Matabeleland South Provincial leadership has set its focus towards the completion of various mega projects that aim to uplift the face of the province and lives of the general citizenry.

Chief amongst the projects anticipated to be the cornerstone of the provisional development agenda include the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria falls highway. According to the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Abednico Ncube, the project is projected to increase trade and improve business across the country.

He said it will also be a key conduit to neighbouring countries including South Africa, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi who rely on this highway as their gateway.

“Of note is that one of the leading construction companies, Bitumen World is already attending to some sections of this highway, doing rehabilitation works at some critical areas like Makhado. Other mega projects that are in the pipeline for the province are the Thuli Manyange 33 million cubic meter dam project, the Gwanda-Maphisa-Mphoengs border road construction, the Bulawayo -Kezi road, and the Plumtree-Tshitshi-Mpoengs road, the Plumtree-Bulilima-Tsholotsho road.

We also have in our plans the construction and rehabilitation of the West Nicholson-Mberengwa road, the Gwanda Magistrates Court Complex and Construction of irrigation schemes, amongst others.”

He also congratulated President Mnangagwa on his re-election as the Head of State for the second term. Cde Ncube said out of the 12 constituencies, the ruling party Zanu-PF garnered eight constituencies with four going to the CCC in the province. In the 2018 elections, the party had 12 seats out of 13 constituencies.

“There is still popularity for the ruling party considering we have retained majority votes in the province. This is attributed to sound development policies and programmes that the Government of Zanu PF spearheaded within a short space of five years.

Where elections were lost to the opposition it was lost by minimal margins and the province will work hard to retain all the seats in the next elections.

The leadership would also like to commend the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and its entire workforce seconded from various Government departments for working effectively and efficiently during the entire period,” said Minister Ncube.