ZAPU parliamentary candidate for Lupane East, Mthenjwa Gumbo has bemoaned lack of development and poverty in the constituency.
Gumbo was speaking during a virtual debate organised by Lupane Community Parliament, a replica of the national Parliament, which focused on the upcoming elections.
Other candidates eyeing the constituency did not turn up for the debate.
“There is a lot that I have noticed is lagging behind in Lupane East. Since independence, there has been no development here. This is what has pushed me to want to represent my constituency in this election to serve my people,” Gumbo said.
“The people in the echelons of power are aware of the lack of development in this district. My first motion, if elected, would be to call for affirmative action to catapult Lupane to the same levels as other constituencies in this country.”
Gumbo lamented the poor schools pass rate in the constituency, blaming it on lack of qualified teachers in the district, among other reasons.
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“We, however, cannot blame everything on teachers alone. Teachers have to be empowered. We definitely need to empower our teachers. We need to help our teachers, make sure that they are well resourced before we start making noise about zero pass rate.”
Gumbo hailed the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project as a very good project saying: “When complete, it will have vast benefits for many people. But we need to tell you the truth that water from the Gwayi-Shangani Dam will not reach Ndimimbili, Gomoza and Lupaka. It will benefit those along its route to Bulawayo.”
Gumbo said he would rely on government and the donor community for the development of the constituency.