The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
Local businesses are stepping up to the plate through complementing the Government’s efforts to ensure broad-based and inclusive development, especially in rural communities, Chivi Central Member of Parliament Mr Ephraim Gwanongodza has said.
There has been heightened interest by local businesses to invest in schools, clinics and roads in rural communities.
This is likely to add to the ongoing devolution programme that is gradually gaining traction.
On Sunday, Mr Gwanongodza toured Mazhaugwe Clinic in Ward 12, where businessman Mr Exevia Maoneke, who is founder and CEO of Wezhaz Investments, donated cash to complete the project.
“Development projects are important in our communities and will even outlive us. We, therefore, applaud efforts by patriotic sons of the district like Maoneke in supporting the Government’s initiatives like the NDS1,” he said.
Three builders and 14 assistants are presently working voluntarily on the project. Villagers have had to walk for 21 kilometres to access healthcare services at Chivi District Hospital.
Transport challenges also compounded their challenges.
Further support has been extended towards the completion of Nyazhau diptank project in the same ward.
The nearest functional diptank in the area is more than 20km away.
Mr Maoneke, who is also founding vice-chair of Zimbabwe Business and Arts Hub (Zibah), said there was need to support the Government to ensure that its targets are met as this would likely improve livelihoods.
“I am a firm believer in home-grown solutions to national challenges and I am happy to support the President’s Vision 2030 and other Government-led development projects in my own way.
“The Government is playing its part and it is our duty as self-respecting citizens to become part of the solution by way of championing and supporting sustainable community development projects,” he said.
“Beyond seeking business excellence and adding value to the economy, I believe in giving back to the community and I have always been supporting the less privileged in my rural home area of Chivi in Masvingo.”
A fortnight ago, the businessman also donated chubby doors to Chishavakadzi and Domboshava schools that recently got exam centre status from the Zimbabwe School Examination Council (Zimsec).
“I believe in providing a holistic approach to the diverse needs of our communities to foster meaningful development.
Working with the local political and community leadership helps with streamlining the challenges towards sustainable development and I am happy that in doing so we are supporting the President and his Government’s vision. I will continue identifying areas that can assist to that we create a better community,” added Mr Maoneke, who has previously supported the Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA).
The NDS1 was launched on January 1, 2021, running under the theme “Towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030.”
Vision 2030 seeks to create a prosperous society with an average per capita income of US$3 207 in the next 10 years.
