‘Vehicles to enhance drought fight’

Wallace Ruzvidzo

Herald Reporter

CHIEFS have lauded the Second Republic for making their jobs easier by giving them condition of service vehicles.

In an interview following the handover of 90 vehicles to chiefs in Harare yesterday by President Mnangagwa, Chief Nenguwo from Chihota, Mashonaland East, had nothing but praises for the President and his administration.

“I am happy with the way President Mnangagwa has honoured us, he is truly a man of action. Ever since he assumed the Presidency, he has been a man of action, today we have been given vehicles.

“Now our jobs have been made easier, he has really shown us that as Chiefs we matter and our lives today are easier because of him,” he said.

Chief Hikwa from Bulilima, Matabeleland South, weighed in saying she had not anticipated that the vehicles would be delivered in such a short time. She said being accorded a vehicle would ensure that she discharges her duties diligently.

“What has just happened is very big, especially as we are striving to develop the areas in our jurisdiction. We are now able to visit the various areas where there are problems. As you know this year was affected by drought so we were not able to visit areas because we were not mobile but now that is all possible.

“Now it’s easy for us to visit our people and I would like to thank President Mnangagwa’s Government for this initiative because we did not think we would be capacitated this fast,” she said.

Chief Mutoko, who was installed since 1966, said he was delighted when he received the call because it meant he would be able to cover more ground in his jurisdiction.

“We are very happy with this initiative because now we can plan to move around and address the various issues that need our attention. I would like to thank President Mnangagwa for this life-changing and enabling vehicle.

“I have been a Chief since 1966 till today and we had not seen such a thing before but today I am proud to say under President Mnangagwa we have seen it, he has been our saviour and today I am proud”.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the Chiefs’ contributions to local economic development within their areas could not be over-emphasised hence their capacitation.

“To their credit, we continue to see the hand of traditional leadership in supporting and complementing local authorities and Government in development programmes and projects.

“The Ministry on its part shall continue to find the best ways for local authorities and traditional leaders to harness their mandates for the good of their communities.

“This includes accelerating ongoing work aimed at enhancing this legislative and policy framework, as well as strengthening existing local development structures, such as village and ward development communities,” he said.