Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
RESIDENTS of the City of Victoria Falls have been urged to reflect deeply on the massive development and empowerment ushered in under President Mnangagwa’s administration as they prepare for the crucial 1 August council by-elections.
This call was made by ZANU PF leadership during a rally addressed by the National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, and ZANU PF Matabeleland North Provincial Chairman and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, in Victoria Falls on Friday.
The by-elections for Wards 9, 10, and 11 are viewed as a pivotal moment for residents to affirm their commitment to the country’s development trajectory and the Vision 2030 agenda.
Cde Machacha said the transformative projects are positioning the city as a world-class destination, saying the Government has put special focus on transforming Victoria Falls into an international financial centre.
“I am very fortunate to be here, to be a resident in this city, where Zimbabwe’s Government has put a special focus and is doing everything possible to bring development to Vic Falls. Vic Falls is going to be an international financial centre. It’s already a must-visit destination as far as tourism is concerned,” said Cde Machacha.
He added that land has been set aside for a smart city, which will attract jobs and international investment.
“We believe that very, very soon, Victoria Falls will be competing against our big cities, such as Harare and Bulawayo, in terms of income per capita. We now require a city leadership that is conscious of this vision and working hard to make sure that the vision of President Mnangagwa is realised,” he said.
Provincial Chairman Cde Richard Moyo urged residents to correct the mistakes of the 2023 elections by voting for ZANU PF to ensure continued service delivery and development.
He warned that voting for the opposition threatens the realisation of Vision 2030.
“We want to advise you as residents to correct the mistake you made in 2023 as you have been given a chance to do so. We know that water bills are high, land is not distributed evenly and all these things are affecting you. You will realise that you voted the opposition that’s why you are facing such problems as other towns which voted for the ruling party are not facing similar problems,” said Cde Moyo.
He cited key projects under President Mnangagwa, including the Gwayi Shangani dam (now 75 percent complete) and the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road, which had not been serviced for 60 years.
Other developments cited include the expansion of the Victoria Falls International Airport, new hotel developments, the Village Business Units programme, and the construction of a helipad.
To address immediate concerns, Cde Moyo announced that six boreholes will be sunk in the wards, and hampers will be distributed to the less privileged.
ZANU PF has fielded Tapiwa Kwendu Sibanda in Ward 9, Thindolie Sibanda in Ward 10, and George Mhlanga in Ward 11.
They face a host of independent candidates.
The party leadership is confident that a resounding victory for its candidates will ensure the city remains on its upward development trajectory.
