Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
EPWORTH North legislator, Mr Zivai Mhetu, has distributed blankets, mosquito nets and clothes to disadvantaged members of his constituency as part of efforts to cushion vulnerable households against the harsh winter conditions.
The donation, which benefited people living with disabilities and other vulnerable residents, comprised 350 blankets and 200 mosquito nets sourced from the Chinese Embassy, while clothes were donated by various well-wishers.
Speaking during the distribution programme, MP Mhetu said the initiative reflected his commitment to improving the welfare of people in his constituency.
“This initiative is a symbol of the love that I have for the people in my community,” said the legislator.
“Whenever I attend gatherings involving parliamentarians and other leaders, I always look for partners who can assist the people I represent.
“I approached many people and among them was the Chinese Ambassador, who responded to my call and provided us with blankets and mosquito nets, which today I am distributing to the people in my constituency.”
He said the beneficiaries were carefully selected from among the most vulnerable members of the community, particularly people living with disabilities.
“We received 350 blankets and 200 mosquito nets, as well as clothes from well-wishers,” he said.
“I discovered that the needs in the constituency are enormous, so I decided to prioritise people living with disabilities. As we are entering the winter season, I felt it was important to assist the deaf, the blind and other vulnerable groups.”
Beyond the donation programme, MP Mhetu highlighted ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and service delivery in Epworth.
He expressed concern over the high number of violent crime cases in the constituency, saying poor road infrastructure was contributing to insecurity as residents are often forced to walk long distances due to the lack of accessible roads.
MP Mhetu said he had utilised Constituency Development Funds to widen a key road linking Overspill and Rockville and was engaging relevant authorities to facilitate its upgrading.
“Our buses currently end at Overspill and residents have to walk a considerable distance to Rockville because the road is impassable,” he said.
“Using Constituency Development Funds, I managed to widen the road and I am seeking Government assistance for the road to be tarred.”
He said efforts were underway to secure road designs required before funding for the project could be approved.
MP Mhetu said through support from well-wishers, rocks that had been obstructing the road had already been removed, making the route trafficable.
“The road is now passable. What remains is the provision of gravel, completion of the designs and ultimately tarring of the road. This will go a long way in improving safety and saving lives,” he said.
On water supply challenges, MP Mhetu said residents remained hopeful of benefiting from the Kunzvi Dam water project once completed.
He noted that as an interim measure, two boreholes had been drilled in the constituency following engagements with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).
“We have managed to provide water through boreholes to many people in the community, but the boreholes are still not enough,” he said.
“I continue to appeal to well-wishers who can assist us in providing more potable water to residents.”
