Staff Writer
The aspiring House of Assembly member for Mhondoro Mubaira, Bernard Mutemasango under New Zimbabwe Democratic Change political party where he is also the president , said there is need to carry out massive road rehabilitation programme in the Constituency where the local community must be given an opportunity to participate.
In an interview with The Blast, the youthful Mutemasango said the community in Mhondoro Mubaira constituency must have access to clean water and full medical services in local health institutions.
“The road network in our Constituency has deteriorated badly over the years.Poor roads are affecting farmers, school learners, the business community, health services and the general movement of people across the constituency,”said Mutemasango.
“My vision is clear.. development must begin with infrastructure.Given the mandate to represent the people, I will push for a comprehensive road rehabilitation programme through engagement with the transport ministry, local authorities, developmental partners and private investors (local and international).We need urgent grading, resurfacing, ridge rehabilitation and proper drainage system on our major roads and growth point routes,” he said.
Mutemasango said the road rehabilitation programme he is planning to carry out, will give the local community an opportunity to participate opening up job opportunities for them.
“I also believe that community based development initiatives must be introduced where local contractors and youths are empowered to participate in road maintenance projects.This will not only improve our roads but also create employment opportunities for local communities,”he said.
Mutemasango said when elected MP for the area he will ensure that the community have access to clean water in their respective areas.
“We have poor access to clean water in many villages.This remains a serious concern as women and children are forced to walk long distances to fetch unsafe water exposing families to water borne diseases.
“Access to clean water is a basic human right not a privilege.My vision is to advocate for the drilling and rehabilitation of boreholes , upgrading of water system and establishment of sustainable community water projects across the constituency.”
Mutemasango said there was a shortage of health institutions, medicine and health manpower in Mhondoro, an area he said need to be addressed.
“There is inadequate health facilities and shortages of essential medicine in local clinics and this remains a cause of concern as it places the lives of our people at risk.Some clinics are under equipped, under staffed and too far from communities especially for pregnant women, the elderly and emergency patients.
“We must strengthen our rural health care system by improving clinics infrastructure, ensuring the availability of medicines, increasing health care personnel and improving ambulance and emergency response services.”