Moses Madyira
Chikomba—Chikomba West MP who is also the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr John Mangwiro has come under fire for claiming ownership of projects that were done through devolution funds by the Council for his political expedience.
Residents are accusing Mangwiro of taking credit for projects that were done by the Chikomba Rural District Council to boost his chances of winning the Saturday Zanu PF primary elections.
Mangwiro is facing stiff competition from former Studio 263 star Tatenda Mavetera and to boost his chances of retaining his post, he has included all clinics that were built by the local authority in his constituency on his campaigning poster.
The Deputy Minister is claiming to have built Madamombe Clinic, Mashayamvura Clinic, Shanda Clinic and Penfather Clinic on his posters, although they were built by the RDC.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch, Mangwiro said that although the clinics in question were not built by constituency development funds, he was the brains behind all the projects in the area as the sitting MP.
“Some of the projects on the poster were not done using CDF funds but I am the one who spearhead all development in my constituency and so every project that has been completed in my area of jurisdiction are a product of my input, either through ideas or funds,” said Mangwiro.
Chikomba RDC CEO Bullen Chiwara could not be reached for a comment as his phone went unanswered several times.
Citizens Coalition for Change councillor for ward 9, Christopher Muchenje argued that Mangwiro was claiming credit for projects which he knows nothing about.
“History has it that those projects on Mangwiro’s poster were funded by Council and those still under construction are under council as well. It’s an insult to the people’s intellect to make them think an MP has a role in those projects. Read well the Constitution of Zimbabwe and it defines the role of an MP which is law making. He can only claim projects done using CDF funds, all these other projects at district level are purely Council’s,” said Muchenje.
Chivhu Residents and Ratepayers Alliance chairman, Collen Zvarevashe said leaders must not give themselves credit but they should let it come from the people.
“I do not think he built those clinics, actually it’s in black and white and all over the internet that the council did the job. Madamombe clinic was built by the community with the help of council through devolution funds.
“Leaders must not give themselves credit, when you see a leader claiming credit it’s a clear sign that he has been sleeping on duty,” said Zvarevashe.
