Harare,  (New Ziana) -The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and that of Mines and Mining Development now have tow Deputy Ministers after President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed persons to those positions with immediate effect.

Albert Mavunga of Nketa constituency is now the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works responsible for Local Authorities and Traditional Leadership while Caleb Makwiranzou of Mutoko North is now the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development responsible for Oil and Gas Research including other strategic minerals exploration.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya announced the appointments in two separate statements on Thursday.

The appointments are in terms of Section 104, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which grants the President the authority to appoint deputy Ministers to assist in the administration of government Ministries.

Dr Rushwaya said Mavunga will be responsible for overseeing local authorities and traditional leadership under the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.

Makwiranzou’s new portfolio includes oversight of oil and gas research, as well as exploration of other strategic minerals, which are key to Zimbabwe’s economic and industrial development.

The appointments signal the continued government commitment to maximise the potential of the country’s rich natural resources.

The other deputy Ministers in the two Ministries include Benjamin Kabaira and Polite Kambamura respectively, while previously the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development was the only one with two Deputy Ministers, namely Davis Marapira and Vangelis Haritatos.

New Ziana