The Sunday News
Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
CAPTAINS of industry in Masvingo have called on the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Cde Patrick Chinamasa to factor in a number of capital projects in the province when presenting the 2015 national budget this week.Cde Chinamsa will present the 2015 national budget on Thursday with almost every sector and area waiting to see whether they might be allocated money for developmental projects.
Affirmative Action Group Masvingo provincial secretary Dr Fredrick Kasese said Cde Chinamasa must avail money estimated at $43 million to complete construction of Tokwe Mukosi Dam.
The dam project is a major investment in the province and apart from feeding the sugar cane estates in the Lowveld, will see more than 3 000 people in the province tapping water from the source.
Government contracted Italian contractor, Salini Impregillio to construct the dam.
“As Masvingo, we expect the budget to factor in Tokwe-Mukosi because people in this province are eagerly waiting for its completion. Once the project is completed, a number of challenges will be addressed through job creation and food security,” he said.
Dr Kasese said the budget should also address the issue of compensating flood victims who were removed from the flood hit Tokwe-Mukosi area and settled at Chingwizi in Mwenezi.
In February raging floods were experienced at Tokwe-Mukosi dam in Chivi district resulting in 3 000 families being evacuated and settled at Chingwizi.
Government has availed $3,8 million for 895 families to relocate to permanent sites from Chingwizi holding camp in September.
The outstanding balance is $7 million and expectations are high that Cde Chinamasa will factor in that.
He said Treasury should also look at the resuscitation of Cold Storage Company which has become a white elephant.
“More than $40 million is required to resuscitate CSC. This is an area which needs redress.”
Zimbabwe Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) provincial secretary Ms Sarah Munemo said the budget should also consider the growth of small businesses so that they can contribute to economic growth.
“We hope the budget will address our issues as a chamber. We want a conducive environment to operate and support from Government. If Treasury makes it mandatory that on every business venture in Masvingo SMEs should have a stake, our growth will be inevitable and thus adding value to the national economy. We want policies that protect our operations. As it is we have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bio Fuel and we are partnering them in the establishment of yet another Ethanol Plant at Chingwizi after Chisumbanje,” said Ms Munemo.
“This will create a number of jobs for Chingwizi dwellers and beyond.”
Reformed Church University Vice Chancellor Professor Wiseman Magwa said the budget should address the issue of student grants.
“Many academically gifted youths are finding it difficult to realise their dreams because of funding issues. If Government can at least reintroduce educational grants, it will be far much better and would contribute towards creation of a strong human capital base. If we have more educated people in the province, nothing will stop us achieving economic emancipation and goals in the Government’s blue print, Zim Asset will be a reality,” said Prof Magwa.
