The ManicaPost
Post Correspondent
MEMBER of National Assembly for Mutare South, Cde Nyasha Chikwinya, has intensified efforts to alleviate poverty in Zimunya-Marange through sinking of boreholes and spearheading income-generating projects.Cde Chikwinya, who is also the Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, said she was deliberating on drought-mitigation measures in her constituency after learning, among other challenges, that villagers in dry areas such as Chengetai, Nyamhere and Dzingirai were travelling for more than 20 kilometres to fetch water.
She was speaking to traditional leaders, ward councillors and villagers at a meeting in her constituency last Friday.
She castigated parents who were forcing children into early marriages because of drought.
She also urged villagers to grow drought-resistant crops before handing over 200 litres of diesel for the rehabilitation of the badly damaged Himalaya Road, four bicycles, $200 for Mutsiyabako Hall facelift and a sewing machine.
“I came here to assess the situation. It is really bad and requires immediate attention. It is sad that villagers in areas such as Nyamhere and Dzingirai have been waking up around 3am everyday and walk for close to 20km to fetch water. There is scarcity of water because there are few functional boreholes. We will work flat out and make sure that the boreholes are rehabilitated as soon as possible.
“Water delivery trucks will be availed to deliver water to affected villagers. Incubators will also be availed to enable villagers to start income-generating project of poultry farming.
“Villagers are living without water. Livestock is dying because of starvation and the situation is worrying,” she said.
Zanu-PF district chairman, Cde Herbert Mumbure, said Government’s intervention was paramount.
“We only have one functional borehole. There is critical shortage of water. We hope Government will assist us with boreholes so that we will kick start self-sustaining projects that will improve livelihoods,” he said.
Cde Chikwinya also visited the Saungweme and Bizeki families who lost their children, Tafadzwa (13) and Anesu (15).
The two died in a mysterious fire while asleep in Mafuke Village recently. They were burnt beyond recognition.
