Zimpapers Logo

Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected] 

THE people of Bulilima District have embraced President Mnangagwa’s philosophy, “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo,” with great enthusiasm. 

The rural community in western Matabeleland South Province has overcome numerous challenges to become a model of hard work.

Years of inadequate social amenities and infrastructure spurred the community to unite and transform their circumstances. 

They charted a path towards a better future, tackling the most significant hurdle — the lack of proper infrastructure — schools, hospitals, identification services and more.

The solution came in the form of infrastructure development committees. These local committees, working with the diaspora community, the Rural District Council (RDC), and legislator Cde Dingumuzi Phuti, ensured timely project completion.

Several projects are underway, including clinics, schools, community halls, water sources, registry offices, and base stations. New clinics in Malalume, Temateme, Mbimba, Gampu, and Zimnyama have improved healthcare access. Clinics in Ngwana, Somnene, Nyabane, Diba, Mambo and others are in various stages of construction or planning.

The construction of Mafa Primary, Tjemahale Secondary, Huwana Secondary, and Zompata Primary Schools has reduced walking distances for children and opened doors to education. Gwamagwama Primary, Hungwa Primary, Nswazwi Secondary and several other schools are also under construction, creating jobs for teachers and fostering community hubs.

Ward gatherings are a regular occurrence in Bulilima. To ensure a conducive environment, communities have built halls like Nyele and Hungwa, with more planned in Hingwe and Mafeha. These halls showcase community unity and utilise the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) effectively.

Lack of clean water was another challenge. Boreholes drilled by the Government, Cde Phuti, and various partners have provided relief. Solar-powered boreholes with water tanks and multiple taps serve villages like Mlomwe, Tokwana, Natani and New Line. For New Line villagers, this is their first experience with piped water in their homeland.

Acquiring national identification documents was once a hurdle. A district blitz offering documents without question sparked a community initiative — building a permanent registry office. The Ndolwane Registry at Ndolwane Business Centre is nearing completion, and the Mlomwe Information Centre is being rehabilitated for the same purpose. Legislator Cde Phuti has generously donated resources for a swift opening.

President Mnangagwa’s vision of a connected nation led to the establishment of network base stations in Nhopemano and Nswazwi areas. This provides locals with access to local telecommunication service providers for the first time, replacing their reliance on foreign networks.

Cde Phuti expressed his honour in leading such dedicated people, who actively embrace President Mnangagwa’s vision of quality servant leadership and strive for self-improvement.

“This is kind of the unity of purpose that any nation worth its sort should drive. This takes from His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s vision and leadership which challenges us to look among ourselves before depending on handouts. The coming together of all these parties is Bulilima’s benchmark to the entirety of Zimbabwe to embrace the model and modernise our country to the fulfilment of Vision 2030,” said Cde Phuti.

Cde Phuti encouraged communities nationwide to build self-sufficiency and progress independently of politics. 

“A country under sanctions has to look not only outside the box but within the box to realise continuous growth. The resilience of our people has contributed to a predicted 4 percent growth of the country despite disasters such as drought and sanctions.”

Mlomwe resident Judith Ncube said the central location of their area serves many wards. She believes a temporary registry office here would be a huge relief for surrounding communities.

“Mlomwe ward is central to areas like Tshankwa, Ntunungwe and Somnene and in that manner, the people in those areas will benefit immensely from such development. We are working with the help of the MP Cde Phuti to make this a success. People had to travel long distances where they used around R400 for transport and their upkeep,” said Ncube.

A villager from New Line area identified as Mr Nkomo said: “For decades we shared duties of fetching water because it took us the whole day because of the distance. We are grateful to the Government, we now have clean water,” said Mr Nkomo. — @mthabisi_mthire