‘Don’t be perpetual cry babies’
MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, has urged villagers relocated from Chiadzwa and resettled at Arda Transau to shed off the donor dependence syndrome and work towards improving their lives.
Cde Chimene toured the area on Tuesday where some villagers complained of unfulfilled promises by some of the companies that were mining diamonds at Chiadzwa.
Some complained of inadequate accommodation, lack of water, non-electrification of their homes as well as unemployment.
However, in her address, Cde Chimene, said it was time for the relocated people to be weaned off and work for their families.
“You should now stand on your feet than to continue waiting for the diamond mining companies to provide everything for you. Yes, we have heard your grievances, but it is time for you to move on and work for your wellbeing.
“You should not expect help all the time. You should learn to be self sufficient because the diamond mining companies did their part. You should take over from where the companies left and improve your way of living.
“Some of you are complaining that you have more wives and need a house for each of them, but when you were in Marange you had to build those houses yourselves. What has changed now? Why not build those houses for your other wives like the way you lived back then,” she said.
Cde Chimene said although it was Government’s duty to provide for its citizens, it was important for everyone to play his or her part in developing the country.
“You are saying your children do not have jobs, but we helped you with electrifying the irrigation scheme here. The land is idle. The 110 hectares allocated to you should have been put to maximum use by now. Through the utilisation of the availed land, you will be creating employment in the process. You should not expect to see jobs knocking on your doors. You should utilise available resources to create employment,” she said. Cde Chimene also urged schools in the area to come up with income generating projects that will help in supplementing the income they are generating from school fees and levies.
“We should not fold our hands and wait for Government to do everything for us. There are a lot of opportunities we should utilise. We will work on the electrification of the clinic as well as avail water, but for other projects you should also play your part,” said Cde Chimene.