By Bernard Mutambudzi

Zanu PF Chimanimani East National Assembly member, Cde Joshua Sacco has, with help of Cashel Community revived the bean production in Ward one which will benefit more than 60 households targeting disadvantaged families with the first beneficiaries set to receive 10kg as seed capital.

The Initiative will also implement a number of other projects in the districts to empower disadvantaged villagers.

Of the 60 families, each homestead will get 10kgs seed bean as seed capital.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Maria Makina (80) not only received the seed capital, but also an assortment of groceries from the National Assembly member who is popularly called “mukwasha” in Chimanimani.

Honourable Sacco also pledged to build a three-roomed house and a kitchen for the elderly woman who currently lives with her seven-year-old grandson in a dilapidated hut.

The envisaged $10 000 property will be completed by August this year.

Speaking at Mrs Makina’s homestead where the bean project was launched, Cde Sacco said, “We are all Zimbabweans regardless of where we come from or live. If you visit Chipinge today, you shouldn’t feel lost but feel at home.

“We are doing surprise visits to different communities to assess the situation. We have been duly elected as MPs and now we are going to meet the people.

“Some people can’t afford decent lives and as MPs, let’s not only look at our constituencies, let’s be nationalists. We have to empower our people regardless of where they live.”

Cde Sacco said the income-generating projects were meant to lift communities out of poverty.

“In terms of the project, a homestead will get 10kgs each and we expect that after five years, the beneficiaries will have managed to buy cattle and send their children to school,” he said.

The legislator said he would endeavour to implement a women’s club through which targeted homesteads will benefit from model kitchen huts.

Nyambeya village head, Mr Stephen Mwashupeka said there were several disadvantaged families that needed help in the area.

The National House of Assembly Member is also pursuing separate projects to empower remote rural people with solar powered initiatives, gardens and chicken rearing projects. He also pledged to work with the local leadership.

“Next time we come here, we will be with the Provincial Minister, Chief and other leaders so that we do this together,” he said.