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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko has challenged the business community to support community development projects, especially in rural areas to uplift the living standards of ordinary people.

VP Mphoko was in Insiza North yesterday as part of his two-day Matabeleland South provincial tour to assess developmental projects and see ways of possibly expediting them.

The province has developmental projects which are stuck at various stages of implementation due to resource constraints.

VP Mphoko visited Mbondweni Rural Health Centre, which is under construction in Ward 4, before touring Amazon Irrigation Scheme in Filabusi.

The construction project, which is expected to be completed by June next year, is being funded by World Vision, Insiza Rural District Council and the community.

Addressing villagers at Mbondweni Clinic, VP Mphoko said it was important for the business community to take part in community projects.

“Companies should assist the Government in supporting such projects to improve the living standards of people. We need to work together in developing the country. I’m impressed by the structures that have been put in place to provide health services in this village. What I see here shows that people are united, they know what they want and they’re prepared to work for it. Let’s stay united and work hard towards development,” said VP Mphoko.

The Government, he added, is committed to helping communities in implementing all projects.

VP Mphoko said he would talk to Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa for assistance to complete the clinic.

He urged villagers who are part of Amazon Irrigation Scheme to work as a group and not as individuals.

“These kinds of projects give better results if people put their resources in one place and work together, not as individuals. This goes a long way in ensuring food security in and outside the District. It also improves exploitation of resources in the area,” said VP Mphoko.

Ward 4 Councillor Lawrence Maphosa said Mbondweni Clinic will cater for about 10 000 villaggers from two wards.

He said World Vision injected $30 000 into the project for the main structure.

“We need $65 000 to complete the clinic. The villagers are not financially capacitated to fund the project. They also find it difficult to provide labour services due to poverty that has been caused by drought,” saiod Clr Maphosa.

He said the community also needs financial assistance to construct a high school, about 10km from the clinic.

The Amazon Irrigation Scheme started in 2007 and has 60 local farmers producing maize and tomatoes.

The major challenge faced by farmers is lack of funding.

The events were also attended by former Deputy Speaker of the Senate and Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Naison Kutshwekhaya Ndlovu, MPs for Insiza North and South Cdes Andrew Langa and Malaki Nkomo, war veterans, Government officials, chiefs, councillors, villagers, teachers and school children.

VP Mphoko said he was happy that Cde Ndlovu, who had not been well, was recovering.

He described Cde Ndlovu as a significant figure not only to the country but to him and his family.

He narrated how he met his wife Laurinda and how Cde Ndlovu officiated at their marriage in Mozambique.