Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Zimpapers Correspondent
Thousands of villagers braved a torrential downpour yesterday to gather at Marange High School in Zimunya, where three constituencies in Manicaland received a US$75 000 development disbursement.
Mutare North, Mutare West, and Mutare South each received US$25 000 under the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund.
This brings the total number of constituencies to have benefited from the initiative to 24.
Presidential Special Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara, who officiated the event, said the programme is designed to overcome bureaucratic delays and deliver resources directly to communities.
He announced plans to expand the fund nationwide.
“We have agreed that the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund will be extended to other provinces,” Dr Tungwarara said.
“Once we have concluded our work in Manicaland, we will move forward to the rest of the country.”
He further revealed that a Village Presidential Empowerment Fund will be launched to deepen the devolution agenda, with a target to reach all of the country’s 35 000 villages within six months.
Addressing the youth, Dr Tungwarara stressed the importance of respect and stability.
“If you are fortunate enough to gain wealth, always respect your elders, our war veterans and our leaders,” he said.
“We want our youth to be known for peace and for Manicaland to remain united.”
The high-profile ceremony was attended by a delegation including Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, who is the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa the ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity and Advocate Misheck Mugadza, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
Alongside the fund disbursement, two trucks of fertiliser and 1 000 bicycles were distributed.
Dr Tungwarara also pledged to renovate Marange Hospital and refurbish teacher residences at the School.
Minister Mugadza, described the fund as a vital tool for development.
“Empowerment is a political weapon against poverty,” he said.
“We are pleased that the appointment of the Presidential Advisor has helped transform President Mnangagwa’s policies into tangible, grassroots projects.”
Senator Mutsvangwa encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds productively.
“Investment can start with as little as $20. Every time you receive money, put it to work: invest in your cooperatives, seek professional guidance, and ensure your savings are banked.”
Ambassador Mutsvangwa commended Dr Tungwarara for his dedication to the President’s vision and cited national economic progress.
“Currently, President Mnangagwa has developed the country and changed a lot,” he said.
“There were once fuel queues, but we no longer face those challenges. Our grain reserves were empty, but our silos are now full.”
