Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru urban Member of Parliament Josiah Makombe has promised to push for policies that ensures employment opportunities and development in his constituency among other post-election promises
Makombe, who is former Gweru City Mayor, was speaking at an engagement meeting organized by TellZim News in the Midlands capital where he promised to work hand in hand with council to address challenges affecting the residents and lobby for policies that support development.
“I promise to work on the establishment of recreational facilities for youths in a bid to curb drug abuse and prostitution, creation of employment opportunities by pushing for policies which support the developmental agenda.
“My focus is now on sourcing of funds from government to ensure that Gweru constituency retains its Progress Status once again,” said Makombe.
Gweru Deputy Mayor Nyaradzo Madzikura said her office was open to everyone and promised to be non-partisan.
“As the Deputy Mayor my office is nonpartisan, I am here for every Gweru resident, to work with everyone. We cannot build this city on partisan grounds. We need to be united as a people,” said Madzikura.
Ward 2 councilor Rutendo Chuma said council will address environment, sanitation issues and protection of women from prostitution and also introduce clean up campaigns spearheaded by females.
“I am disturbed by the decline in quality service provision because of the water situation whereby in-laws bump into each other with buckets of water to pour in the lavatories,” said Chuma
One resident Jenny Chimange bemoaned the lack of water and toilets at Mtapa market saying it was a health hazard and urged the leadership to prioritise employment creation for residents.
“Lack of water and toilets at Mtapa market is posing as a health hazard to everyone in Mtapa how is council going to address this issue.
“What is the local authority and government doing about employment creation both at local and national level? We cannot continue to watch our children getting involved in dangerous activities such as abusing drugs because of unemployment.
“There is need for inclusion of fresh blood in council which are not students on attachment only. It hurts to find out that vacancies within GCC are filled by outsiders despite locals having required documents,” Chimange added.
TellZim News editor Passmore Kuzipa however urged the Gweru community to work collectively to proffer solutions to address the challenges affecting residents in the city and said the organization was going to do more engagements with residents and local leaders.