Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – Paradzai Chakona, the Zaka Central legislator, has urged the people of Jerera not to look at development through political lenses, saying differences in political affiliation must not be allowed to stifle progress in communities.
Chakona was addressing a poorly attended meeting held in Jerera last week to clear the air on a contentious electrification programme for Garikai suburb in Jerera.
Some residents stayed away from the meeting, thinking it would be used by the MP to score cheap political points.
Many residents of the suburb do not have electricity in their homes and some had been speculating that their MP was abusing the electrification programme and was blocking progress for political gain.
There was also confusion on whether they were supposed to pay for the hired contractor to get connected or wait for Rural Electrification Agency (REA) programme spearheaded by Chakona.
The MP encouraged residents to use their resources to get electricity connection if they can afford but also made commitments to help those who cannot afford the connection fees.
Chakona denied speculations that he was blocking development saying he was committed to uplifting his constituency by complementing developmental programmes initiated by the people.
“Though some people hijacked the programme I had started, I do not want to block those who formed groups and hired the contractor but I want to develop this area so I will go ahead with it and help those who can’t pay,” said Chakona.
The legislator implored people not to associate developmental programmes with politics but just embrace development regardless of its origins saying people had boycotted the meeting thinking it was a Zanu PF affair.
“Leave politics to politicians and focus on developing your area. If I come here and say I want to sponsor Zaka FC, I will not bring it as a Zanu PF programme,” he said.
He rebuked the leadership of his own political party for doing slogans during meeting on developmental programmes saying the habit was offensive to people of other political convictions, a situation that negatively affects development.
“Neither Zanu PF nor MDC will come and build a house or cook sadza for you at your home. When doing developmental projects, lets come together despite our political differences,” said Chakona
Zaka assistant District Administrator Victor Zinanga who was also present urged people to unite and develop their area.news
—
He who said it can not be done must not disturb the one doing it!
