Gvt to focus on rural development – President Mnangagwa

Buhera (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has applauded the electorate in Manicaland for giving him and the ruling Zanu-PF party another five-year mandate in the just ended harmonised elections, saying on Thursday this will be marked by rural-focused development.

Addressing thousands of party supporters at a thank-you rally at Mkwasi Primary School in Buhera North constituency, he said his re-election, and that of the party, had preserved the revolutionary liberation legacy of the country.

“I stand here on behalf of Zanu PF, on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe to extend my gratitude to you all for the resounding victory we attained in the just ended elections. You showed faith in the party and the willingness to preserve the national heritage by putting your trust and faith in the revolutionary party which truly identifies itself with the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said Zanu PF was a people centred party, and therefore will focus its development efforts in rural areas in the next five years to ensure no place and no one is left behind.

“Peace, unity and development are to characterize this coming term with focus centred on the development of rural areas with food security and infrastructure development being key areas of attention. We shall move forward with our development agenda and shall not be hindered by those who may deem to be counter-productive,” he said.

He cited, among other things in his in-tray, development of solar driven boreholes and horticulture gardens in every village across the country to ensure food security at household level.

President Mnangagwa pledged to rehabilitate the Murambinda-Birchenough Road, which is in a poor state, once he officially assumes office for his second term.

He urged people to maintain peace for development to take place and shun those who propagate hate speech and chaos in the country.

“Electoral process went well with peace prevailing across the country, we voted in peace, we won in peace, and for that I would like to thank you all. For those who shun peace and tranquillity, let us not be swayed by them and rather shame them for such counter-productive tendencies. Let us maintain the peace and focus on moving forward as a nation,” he added.

He also went on to congratulate the constituency’s Member of Parliament-elect, Phillip Guyo, urging him to be the servant of the people who put him into public office.

“Guyo you have been elevated into office by the people who surround you. These people are your masters, they have chosen you to represent them and you shall be their servant. I wish you well in your term of office and pray you serve the people well, said President Mnangagwa.

In Manicaland province, Zanu-PF won 21 parliamentary seats out of the 26, with the rest going to the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change.

New Ziana