Zimpapers Logo

Felix Share Senior Reporter
The First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe says the success of the Government’s economic blueprint, Zim-Asset, lies solely in the hands of Zimbabweans.

Speaking in Kadoma yesterday, the First Lady said it was through good infrastructure that the country could attract investors.

“We can reach that point. The private sector, like we’re witnessing today, is key to the development of this country. We develop things on our own and we don’t look up to foreigners because if you see them coming, they are coming to loot our resources,” she said, speaking at the commissioning of earthmoving equipment worth $3 million and a ground-breaking ceremony for the Macsherp Housing Scheme.

The Macsherp Housing Scheme is set to benefit about 3 000 low-income earners and the equipment, supplied by XGMA Zimbabwe, will be used to service the stands.

The equipment included bulldozers, a grader, excavators and tipper trucks. Said the First Lady: “It’s now a dream come true to many households to own a property in town, a rare phenomenon for the black majority during the colonial era. Such milestone achievements in our lifetime are worth celebrating.” She urged businesspeople in various towns to emulate the initiative by Macsherp Holdings to alleviate the shortage of accommodation.

The Government is targeting to build 313 000 units by 2018.

Amai Mugabe said people who had skipped the country seeking asylum in Western countries had realised that home is best as they were now facing all kinds of ill-treatment in those countries.

The First Lady said she had seen vast difference between the current Vice Presidents (Cdes Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko) as compared to the previous office holder, Dr Joice Mujuru.

“I’ve lost count of the times we have met,” Cde Mugabe said.

“This is the leadership we want, those who know they’re there to work for the people. We talk development.”

The two VPs attended the event together with several Cabinet Ministers. Macsherp Holdings managing director Jimayi Muduviri said; “The time for politics is gone and it’s now time for development to meet our Zim-Asset targets. As such, we request Amai Mugabe to be our matron as she stands for development.”

XGMA assistant general manager George Maposa said they were ready to partner businesspeople and land developers to complement the provision of decent accommodation.

Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Ignatius Chombo said with committed land developers, civil servants, youths, women and war veterans would benefit from the Government National Housing Delivery Programme.