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Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo told the trustees they ought to work in the interest of communities.
Briefing the two ministers yesterday, Chief Nhema, chairman of the trust, said they had advanced to them US$1 million of the US$10 million deposited last year.
So far, the trust had started work on projects worth US$800 000, due for completion within the next few months.
Dr Chombo said the trustees should advise the chief, as the chairperson of the scheme, “on the way forward”, as the trust was designed to transform the communities.
“Please, give the chiefs correct advice. We need to move forward and transform the lives of the people.
“The money is not there to stay in the bank. Do not create new structures. The trust should work closely with the councils. There is no need to look for new offices — use the existing council facilities and let the money go towards development. Go and buy borehole drilling rigs, graders and equipment that you will use for the benefit of all the people,” said Dr Chombo.
Minister Kasukuwere said he was shocked that no meaningful progress had been made since the trust received the money last year.
“What is wrong with your trust? What have you to show for the US$10 million that you got?”
He commended the Zvishavane Community Share Ownership Trust for the progress it has made as it has completed four classroom blocks and bought furniture for two schools in the district
Out of the US$10 million pledged by Mimosa Mining Company the Zvishavane community share ownership trust had so far received only US$2 mil-lion.
Minister Kasukuwere implored the mining firms to hasten release the balance to ensure speedy implementation of development projects in the area.
Accompanying the ministers were Midlands Governor and Resident Minister Jason Machaya, State Enterprises and Parastatals Deputy Minister Walter Chidhakwa and
National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board chief executive Mr Wilson Gwatiringa.
The Tongogara Community Share Ownership Trust was established in November after an agreement with the Unki Mine. This followed the launch of the Mhondoro-
Ngezi-Zvimba Community Share Ownership Trust in October.
Other trusts that have been launched include the Mimosa Community Share Ownership Trust in Zvishavane in October and the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust, launched in May this year.
All the trusts have received 10 percent shareholding in mining companies as part of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act.
Online Reporter