adminfree from hostility.
Minister Mpofu said he has enjoyed his working relationship with his deputy while Mr Chimanikire weighed in by saying the duo speaks with one voice on policy issues regarding their Ministry
The two said this while addressing hundreds of people gathered for the Mining Development Loan fund at Bubi, Matabeleland North province.
“We are a product of a Government of National Unity, we work very well and we have been enjoying our work in the Ministry,” said Minister Mpofu to the applause from the floor.
“We have never had any problems in our working relationship.”
In his vote of thanks remarks, Deputy Minister Chimanikire said despite the fact that he is from the MDC-T and Minister Mpofu is from Zanu-PF that can be hardly noticed when they are doing their work in the Ministry.
“When I came to the Ministry two years ago, it was like a dream . . .I think we can beat ourselves on the chest for working well. Not only do we agree on matters of principle but we speak with one voice,” said Deputy Minister Chimanikire.
“I feel not only is Minister Mpofu an honest politician but he is discplined businessman.”
He said he had learnt a lot from his boss, on how to do business.
Meanwhile, Minister Mpofu said Cabinet has directed that the Essar deal be fully implemented and that the loose ends be tied.
He said the mineral clause in the Essar deal needs to be re-looked at and he would soon meet his colleague, Industry and Commerce Minister, Professor Welshman Ncube.
He said he met Minister Ncube last week to discuss how to deal with the issues.
The Minister said this in an interview on the sidelines of the event.
“It was a follow up meeting. The issue was decided in Cabinet that it (Essar) is a good deal,” said Minister Mpofu.
“There are certain clauses that need to be revisited.
“We shall be relooking at the mineral clause, as you aware we were not involved when the deal was concluded.
“We have to discuss it with Prof Ncube and approach Essar.
“That’s a small issues that will be relooked at.”
Minister Mpofu expressed optimism that the negotiations would be concluded soon and full operations would resume at the Redcliff steel producing firm that has since seen workers failing to get their salaries owing to the stand-off.
Essar has since stopped paying salaries to workers as it felt that it could not continue pumping money when there is no production taking place.
Online Reporter