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Patrick Chitumba Senior Reporter
VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday said the revival of industries in Bulawayo was key to turning around the economy.
Addressing hundreds of people at a party to celebrate his appointment as Vice President at ZITF grounds in Bulawayo, VP Mphoko said there was urgent need to revive Bulawayo industries so that the city can return to its glory days as the the country’s industrial hub.

He said there was need for unity of purpose among the residents of Bulawayo who he said should all contribute to the revival of the city’s industries.

The VP said the revived Bulawayo industries will impact positively on the turnaround of the country’s economy.

He said once the city’s manufacturing industries are up and running, the country’s import bill will be drastically reduced.

Ambassador Mphoko said countries such as South Africa and Malawi used to rely heavily on products manufactured in Bulawayo.

“Let’s take back Bulawayo to its former glory days when it was the regional hub for manufacturing companies. What has happened to us, what has happened to Bulawayo? We still have the wonderful infrastructure needed by industries and there is therefore no reason for us to fail,” he  said.

Ambassador Mphoko said Zimbabwe had abundant natural resources which include a wide range of minerals such as platinum, gold and diamonds which should be exploited to benefit the people.

He said the platinum, gold and diamonds had a combined value of $15trillion, a figure he said should benefit every Zimbabwean.

“I’m just talking about those three minerals, this country is rich but why are we poor?” he asked.

He said those who got farms under the agrarian reform should utilise them fully for the benefit of the country.

“Please those with farms, utilise them, there’s life there. Don’t just cut down trees. Those with business plans, come let’s talk about your proposals because together we can grow our economy as a united people,” said the Vice President.

He said President Mugabe had also appointed him the Minister of National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation because peace and stability were essential for economic growth.

“National healing and reconciliation was preached by President Mugabe from 1980 when we attained independence. It’s very important that we unite and work together,” said VP Mphoko.

Earlier while addressing the Bulawayo Provincial Coordinating Committee at Davies Hall, VP Mphoko said the revival of Zanu-PF in the province was very vital.

He said there was need to win back the seats which were in the hands of the opposition in future elections.

The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs in Bulawayo province, Cde Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo said she was happy that VP Mphoko’s appointment had fulfilled the Unity Accord.

She said VP Mphoko understood the pain and suffering the people experienced under the Ian Smith regime and took to the bush with fellow Zapu members.

“He sacrificed his life for the people,” she said.

Representing the Bulawayo business community, Busisa Moyo said they were delighted that VP Mphoko, a true leader and visionary, had been appointed to the position.

He said businesses were willing to work with him for the growth of the region and the country at large.

“We’ve adopted Zim-Asset as the economic blueprint that guides the economic revival. We believe that we’re headed for greater things as a country. Better days are coming and we congratulate you VP Mphoko for your appointment. We will work together for the transformation of the economy,” said Moyo.