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Cde Machaya

Midlands Correspondent
MIDLANDS Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Jason Machaya has called on the Government to prioritise revival of industry to stimulate economic growth. Addressing a delegation from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces led by Vice Air Marshal Elson Moyo, on a two-week domestic tour of Gweru yesterday, Cde Machaya said Government should act fast in resuscitating ailing and closed industries to alleviate poverty.

“We have ailing industries in the country that are operating below capacity while some have shut down due to liquidity challenges and other challenges emanating from the illegal sanctions imposed by Western countries.

“The Government has a mammoth yet imperative task to ensure these closed and ailing industries start operating on full capacity as was before.

“Both Government and the Zanu-PF party leadership must do something to revive these industries. Zanu-PF must engage its friends and secure funding for the revival of our industry.

“This is now time to act or else we will face serious challenges in the near future,” he said.
Cde Machaya said the Zanu-PF party leadership in the Midlands was in the process of engaging Government and other stakeholders to ensure the revival of the ailing and collapsed industries.

“We have Zisco Steel which is now New Zimsteel whose revival has been long overdue.
“We have been waiting for the revival of operations at the giant steel making firm for too long. Zisco used to employ over 5 000 workers at its peak.

“We also have Shabanie Mine in Zvishavane, ZimAlloys, Bata and other big companies who used to employ over 20 000 workers combined.

“These industries should definitely be resuscitated and help rebuild the country’s economy,” he said.
Cde Machaya said there was a need for Government officials and people working for parastatals as well as those working for strategic institutions to be patriotic and committed to ensure the revival of the economy.

“We need committed cadres to run public institutions and other strategic institutions.
“Companies should employ patriotic and committed management to complement Government efforts to revive the economy,” he said.