New Lupane East MP pledges development

NEWLY elected Zanu-PF MP for Lupane East Constituency Cde Phathisiwe Machangu, has expressed gratitude to the people of her constituency for showing confidence in her when they voted for the ruling party in the recent by-elections, and pledged to push for development.

Cde Machangu won the National Assembly seat when she garnered 6 863 votes, beating Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate, David Nyathi who got 1 750 votes.

Cde Machangu, who has been working closely with Zanu-PF Secretary General Dr Obert Mpofu during her campaign, said it is evident locals were starved of development.

“We have seen the works of the Second Republic through the leadership of President Mnangagwa. We are realising the greater part of our vision and we must not let those who are against the country mislead you,” she said.

“This province continues to benefit in a big way from key projects meant to develop the country.”

Cde Machangu said through her campaign she noted all the concerns of the people from Lupane East and promised to address them.

“We are not going to engage in talks that do not result in development. We are action oriented and the time to work is now. I noted that people travel long distances to access health care services, water and other resources, and we are going to address those challenges,” she said.

“We want to launch self-sustainable projects that will foster economic growth.”

Cde Machangu said among many of the issues is the water crisis, which she said will be her first port of call.

“I am part of this constituency, I was born here and will ensure that it receives its fair share of the national cake. We have been given another chance and let us show that we are a united front that is unstoppable in terms of development,” she said.

Cde Machangu said boreholes for the provision of safe drinking water have been drilled in Lake Alice and Ndimimbili areas, with more in the pipeline.

“There is a challenge of water in this area, and people need boreholes. For the past two years there has been no adequate rain hence we need to drill more boreholes,” she said.

In the August general election, Machangu had lost to CCC candidate Bright Vanya Moyo. Cde Machangu received 6 241 votes while Moyo garnered 6 476 votes.

Cde Machangu said she is also going to address the issue of food challenges emanating from drought.