By Christopher Makaza
Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mangaliso Ndlovu says Government is going to formulate a policy that will see a factory being established in every district of the country so as to create employment and complement devolution.
Addressing Zanu PF supporters at a campaign rally at Pupu Business Centre during the weekend ahead of the Lupane East by-elections, Minister Ndlovu who is also the Secretary for Health in the Zanu PF National Youth League revealed that a leather processing plant will be established in Lupane district.
The Minister thanked President Mnangagwa for spearheading devolution that will see the ten provinces of the country benefiting from their natural resources.
Government is putting in place a framework for the implementation of devolution to kick-start the national drive to empower communities to manage their own affairs through participatory and inclusive governance to ensure balanced economic development in the country.
Speaking at the same event, Minister Ndlovu also thanked government for expanding Hwange Power Station to improve power generation in the country.
Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8 are being expanded despite challenges in accessing foreign currency and price distortions. The project has so far created more than 400 jobs for locals with the figure expected to hit 3000 next year. The project which will add 600 megawatts to the national grid, is one key economic enablers that will advance the country`s vision of turning Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy by 2030.
Minister Ndlovu thanked President Mnangagwa for appointing Cabinet Ministers from Matabeleland North Province highlighting that it is a clear indication that the President has the province at heart. He noted that the Province also has the highest number of people in the politburo.
Lupane East fell vacant after the passing on of Mrs Sithembile Gumbo of Zanu PF on 5th April 2019. Nine candidates successfully filed their papers at the nomination court for the post while Mr Thomas Sibanda of the United African National Council (UANC) dropped from the race after failing to pay nomination fees pegged at $302.
MDC alliance candidate Dalumusi Khumalo is not very popular in the constituency as locals accuse him of stock theft. It is alleged that, Khumalo, who owns butchery in the area, steals cattle from the local communities.
