Devolution funds boost water supply, infrastructure in Masvingo Central

MASVINGO Central constituency is undergoing rapid socio-economic transformation using devolution funds with more than 30 boreholes having been rehabilitated to improve water supply for rural communities while plans are at an advanced stage to start the long awaited upgrade of Shonganiso Bridge along Mutirikwe River in Murinye communal lands.

The ongoing borehole rehabilitation has benefitted communities in wards 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 23 across Masvingo Central by ensuring potable water supplies and water for for livestock in the semi-arid area.

Masvingo Central constituency co-ordinator Mr Addmore Matindike paid homage to President Mnangagwa’s administration for walking the talk on the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind and locating rural communities at the apex of the national development agenda.

“We want to extend our sincere gratitude to President Mnangagwa and his Government for various developmental initiatives that have set our area on the cusp of socio-economic transformation. The Rural Infrastructural Development Agency (RIDA), ZINWA and ZESA have been leading from the front in making sure roads and bridges are repaired in Masvingo Central.

“Boreholes have also been rehabilitated across eight wards in the constituencies so that our people have access to potable water. Some areas across the constituency now have electricity after ZESA secured transformers which enabled some schools, both primary and secondary, and even clinics to be connected,’’ said Mr Matindike.

He was satisfied with progress of the bridge at Shonganiso Mission, that links Muchakata and Chenhuwe, saying hopes were high that the long awaited bridge will finally be built this year.

“The bridge across the perennially-flowing Mutirikwe River will be a major milestone in facilitating movement of people between Muchakata and Chenhuwe. Communities from Muchakata and surrounding areas such as Chekai will also be able to easily access the upgraded clinic at Shonganiso Mission,’’ he said.

According to Mr Matindike, the construction of Makoho and Mavizhu clinics in ward 23 is progressing according to plan.

Masvingo Central National Assembly representative Cde Eddison Zvobgo Jnr also paid tribute to President Mnangagwa.

“I want to thank our President His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa for his pro-people policies that are engendering positive socio-economic transformation in Masvingo Central. The borehole drilling programme has greatly improved access to clean water in most communities while roads have also been regularly upgraded to make sure that our people can access service centres across the constituency.

“We are even more happy with reports that there will be some movement this year towards construction of Shonganiso Bridge across Mutirikwe River’’.

The Masvingo Central legislator said completion of Ngomahuru bridge, in ward 21, which is a key link to one of the country’s biggest psychiatric hospitals, is a sign that President Mnangagwa walks the talk on leaving no one and no place behind.

President Mnangagwa last year donated an ambulance to Shonganiso Clinic which is part of Shonganiso Mission run by the Zvobgo family. The donation followed a request by Great Zimbabwe University Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo to the President during his installation as Bishop of the African Reformed Church which founded and runs the mission.

Shonganiso Mission is a key educational and health centre whose sphere of influence spans across the large part of Masvingo Central constituency.