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Prosper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
BULAWAYO residents have been urged to elect into office individuals who will address their problems and always ensure the people’s interests always come first.Addressing journalists in Bulawayo, Zanu-PF candidate for Makokoba National Assembly Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube said tomorrow’s election was an opportunity for the City of Kings to restore its former glory through voting for progressive candidates.
“It has become clear for everybody as President Mugabe said on Saturday that Bulawayo has problems. The city has lost its glory and something must be done,” said Rtd Col Dube.
“The question of the dearth of industry in this city cannot be changed by wishful thinking. It requires a lot of leadership effort and investment.
“Bulawayo can do this if it has strong representation in Parliament to discuss its issues. Cabinet is as strong as its Parliament and if we have a weak Parliament we will not achieve anything,” he said.
Rtd Col Dube, who holds a Masters’ Degree in Military Electronics, said although he was mandated to represent Makokoba, his vision encompasses Bulawayo as a whole.
He said soon after winning elections he was prepared to use his business connections to lure investment to the city.
“Incentives must be created to attract investment that will be biased towards Bulawayo otherwise Harare will remain a preferred investment destination.
“Bulawayo infrastructure must be resuscitated. I strongly believe that it may take us less than five years to see the light and the beginning of the turn of events to make the city live again,” said Rtd Col Dube who is also the chief executive officer of Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).
“We have seen some countries completely turn around their economies in less than 10 years and this is also possible here.”
He said Zimbabweans was geared for credible elections after which there would be no justification for continued sanctions.
Turning to his constituency Rtd Col Dube said Makokoba was a historic nerve centre for Bulawayo, which should take the lead when it comes to development issues.
He said plans were underway to establish Makokoba Development Trust (MDT) following a request by residents. He said the trust will spearhead development in the constituency.
Rtd Col Dube said he had the capacity to engage renowned international businesspeople to partner locals.
“Makokoba is the centre of Bulawayo and we will do everything we can to make it a springboard for the city. We want to create opportunities for our youth and women in different sectors.
“As an individual, I am capable of doing a lot for the constituency. We are talking here of building schools, clinics and provision of medicines,” said Rtd Col Dube.
He said there was need to reconnect Bulawayo with the rest of the world.
Rtd Col Dube, who recently quit his position as the board chairman of Marange Resources, said his decision to join politics was motivated by the desire to serve his people than personal gain.
Tomorrow he will lock horns with MDC-T Bulawayo provincial chairman Mr Gorden Moyo, Mr Thabile Ndlovu (MDC), musician Mr Thomeki Dube (AKE), Mr Zenzo Lot Masuku (Zapu) and Patricia Ncube (FZC).
On Saturday Rtd Col Dube organised a musical gala for the people of Makokoba and spent more than $30 000.
The event attracted thousands of people and was graced by renowned artistes including South African musician Freddie Gwala.
Online Reporter