Lupane Complex ready for occupation
THE Welshman Mabhena Complex in Lupane is now complete and ready for occupation, with the provincial Government services set to start operating from the offices from September 1.
Lupane is the provincial capital for Matabeleland North.
Operating from Lupane will be a major milestone since civil servants from various departments had been operating from Bulawayo.
A lack of housing has been flagged as one of the major causes for the delays in relocation, resulting in most civil servants deployed in Matabeleland North operating from Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo, affecting the efficiency of services and gobbling a lot of money.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday this week, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the Welshman Mabhena Complex had been completed, while construction of houses for civil servants was nearing completion.
Dr Muswere said 19 houses had been allocated to 55 Government officials from different ministries, departments and agencies, who volunteered to relocate immediately.
“The houses can be immediately completed, while the Government offices can also be utilised before the end of the third quarter of 2024,” said Dr Muswere.
“Cabinet considered the report on the relocation of Matabeleland North provincial offices from Bulawayo Metropolitan Province to Lupane Centre, as presented by the Honourable Vice President Col (Rtd) KCD Mohadi.
“The civil servants’ houses are 90 percent complete, while the Government complex is complete.”
VP Mohadi was in Lupane in June, where he expressed concern over delays in the completion of accommodation for civil servants and issued a six-month ultimatum to responsible authorities to complete the project.
“Accordingly, the public will be served from the provincial capital, Lupane, with effect from September 1, 2024,” said Dr Muswere.
Construction of the Welshman Mabhena Complex began in 2012, following Lupane’s designation as the provincial capital of Matabeleland North in 1999.
ONE of Mashonaland Central Senators, Senator James Makamba, has built a senatorial office in Mount Darwin where people can bring queries and complaints.
It serves as a communication platform between the electorate and their representatives. In the past, voters found it challenging to reach their representatives, often resorting to approaching them at public events or visiting their homes.
However, the newly constructed office is set to transform the way voters and their representatives interact.
During the official opening of the Mandave House, Senate President Mabel Chinomona lauded the construction of the office, adding that it exemplifies leadership that unites people.
She commended Sen Makamba for prioritising the needs of the people and stressed the importance of elected representatives staying connected to their constituents.
“You selected a leader who values people and puts them first. Some elected representatives forget the electorate and what was done here is very important,” she said.
Cde Chinomona donated two sewing machines for a women’s garment-making business.
Sen Makamba said he was committed to serving people in his constituency with dedication and integrity.
“As your Senator, I am here to listen, to understand and act on behalf of this community. My vision is to work tirelessly to address the challenges we face and seize opportunities for growth and development,” he said.
“Together we will focus on improving the quality of life, better access to health care, advancing education opportunities, infrastructure development and enhancing food security.”
He pledged to work closely with the four National Assembly representatives in Mt Darwin District adding that his dream for a modern Mt Darwin was underpinned by President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
The district came up with a Mandave Constituency
Development committee, whose motto is: “Strength in unity, empowering our community for development.”
Its role is to identify areas that need to be developed.
Mt Darwin South Member of Parliament Cde Kudakwashe Mupamhanga expressed gratitude for the office, which he said provides a conducive environment for meetings.
Cde Elizabeth Shongedza said the office had made life easy for people in the district who wish to engage their representatives.
Chief Kandeya said the office provides an opportunity for chiefs to meet the Senator and discuss challenges and economic development issues in a comfortable environment.