Lobengula-Magwegwe legislator Tendai Nyathi has challenged proponents of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) to explain how the proposed constitutional changes will improve the lives of ordinary people in Bulawayo and Matabeleland.
Making his submissions during the debate on the Bill in Parliament recently, Nyathi said residents in his constituency were less concerned about extending terms of office and more interested in whether Government would address long-standing development challenges affecting the region.
“They are worried, Madam Speaker. They are very worried that if CAB3 does not address these problems, then it is not worth supporting. They want to see real change in the communities,” said Nyathi.
The legislator said residents wanted to know whether the proposed changes would result in the completion of critical infrastructure projects that have remained unfinished for years.
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“They asked me a question, which I could not answer. They said that about a decade ago, the Mutare-Plumtree Road was meant to be dualised. That road has not been dualised, it was just resurfaced. This is over 10 years now,” he said.
“They are asking whether anything will be done on that road within the two-year extension. They are also asking about land degradation. Is there going to be a halt to the rampant mining in the country within these two years? Will these two years see beneficiation of minerals by Zimbabweans?”
The MP said concerns were also being raised about the state of schools, particularly in Bulawayo and Matabeleland.
“Will these two years show a difference in the schools, particularly in Matabeleland and Bulawayo, where there are no roofs in some schools, where there are no benches and desks in some schools?” he asked.
Nyathi said while residents appreciated development efforts undertaken by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, many felt Matabeleland remained marginalised.
“The bone of contention is that Matabeleland as a region is still crying; it is still left out. If you go to Matabeleland North, Hwange is the oldest mine, over 120 years old, but there is nothing to show in Matabeleland North. The only two items we can talk about are the lithium mine and the Beitbridge Border Post,” he said.
He noted tha residents were questioning whether CAB3 would help rehabilitate the deteriorating Beitbridge-Bulawayo Road, a key regional trade route linking Zimbabwe to neighbouring countries.
Nyathi also highlighted Bulawayo’s perennial water challenges, saying residents wanted clarity on whether the constitutional amendments would accelerate completion of major water projects.
“They want to know what is in it for the people of Bulawayo as far as water reticulation is concerned. Will this see the completion of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam? Will this see the Glass Block Dam being constructed? Or will these two years come and go without anything tangible being seen in Bulawayo?” he said.
The legislator further said residents wanted Government to explain how industries in Bulawayo would be revived and how local entrepreneurs would benefit.
“If you go to Bulawayo now, you will hardly see any construction in the CBD, let alone painting happening. People of Bulawayo want to know what is in it for CAB3. What is in it as far as rebuilding the country?” said Nyathi.
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