NS: Why did you move from the field of human rights activism to politics?
LM: I saw no good reason to continue fighting for human rights when politicians violate those rights. So, I decided to help formulate national policies in parliament, which would tame violations of human rights.
I also assessed the quality of leadership presented by different political parties and realised that there was not much difference.
What makes you convinced that you will win the Murewa North constituency from Parirenyatwa?
Before joining MDC-T I was a member of Zanu (PF) from 1996-1999 and advisor to Parirenyatwa. I gave Parirenyatwa valuable developmental advice for his constituency, which he unfortunately ignored. I know his weaknesses and will utilise them, especially the fact that he rarely shows up in the constituency and is not interested in facilitating meaningful developmental projects in his area.
For the record, people want leadership that is consultative in nature and maintains a regular presence among the community. Unlike Parirenyatwa, who lives elsewhere, I live in Murewa North.
What did the sitting MP fail to deliver which you think you will achieve?
Top of my priorities would be to restore people’s traditional symbol of wealth through restocking family livestock such as cattle. I will contact well-wishers among the NGO community and other stakeholders to source two cattle for every household. This way the national herd will be boosted while restoring people’s yardstick for wealth. Livestock restocking is crucial for the rural community.
My heart bleeds to learn that the Cold Storage Commission livestock selling pans in ward 7, Chitowa Village, remain idle.
To empower the youths and communities at large, I will introduce projects such as piggery, chicken farming and gardening projects.
Livestock restocking is not the only project people want from their MP. How exactly will you bring development to people of Murewa North?
The road network is at the centre of development. I will rehabilitate neglected roads, which have become impassable across the constituency. Such roads include the one from Murewa Centre, passing through ward 8, Chitate area to Murewa South. The road from ward 7, Chitowa village passing through Rukunge to Murewa Centre needs urgent attention to enable villagers go about their daily activities. The other road which leads from area 44 in ward 3, Chinyanya area, passing through Chingwaru to Shunu is in bad shape too.
‘Livestock restocking is crucial for the rural community’
The roads were last maintained 15 years ago. I will see to it that schools that have maintained satellite status, such as St. Clare’s, are upgraded to fully-fledged schools. Children from St. Clare’s walk over 15km to Chemapango to write examinations because their school has not been granted examination centre status.
In parliament I will advocate for human rights lessons to be taught in schools.
Murewa North remains one of the least developed areas in terms of health facilities. Villagers from Chingwaru, Chin’ono and Mupanguri have no meaningful clinic and risk being swept away by the Inyagui River when attending Dandara and Nyamutumbi health centres.
Given that Murewa Centre is the hub of activity for people from Murewa West, Murewa South, Mutawatawa and Mutoko, I will push for the revamping of abandoned industrial buildings at the growth point.
Half constructed industrial buildings and other commercial structures will be completed and attract investors. While in office I will do everything possible to help upgrade Murewa Centre to capital city status.
Lack of industrial development at the centre is partly as a result of unwillingness and lack of initiative on the part of the elected councillors and Member of Parliament.
Another area that will need urgent attention is provision of water to Murewa Centre. Due to oversight and lack of proper knowledge, the local authority and the MP expanded residential areas at Murewa Centre, without commensurate water supplies from the nearby Chiwaka Dam.
People continue to be allocated small residential stands without running water systems. This has forced residents to sink boreholes and pit latrines at residential areas as small as 150m2, creating a ticking health time bomb.
‘Senior citizens contributed towards the development of Zimbabwe’
What would you like to be remembered for if, and when, you leave parliament?
I would want to be remembered for championing the cause for the vulnerable members of society, especially the elderly. I will push for a legislation to make the ministry of Labour and Social Welfare pay monthly allowances to senior citizens aged 60 and above.
It must be noted that senior citizens contributed towards the development of Zimbabwe during their active years, so, they must be regarded as a national asset and the government’s responsibility.
Given my human rights background, I will fight for the protection of people’s rights.
Are these not just ambitions your colleagues promised but never delivered?
No, these are not unachievable ambitions. It is on record that I donated thousands of dollars to proposed developmental projects. Unfortunately, Parirenyatwa never delivered and I continued to probe him about what became of the projects.
The time has finally come for the people of Murewa North to see development projects in their community.
How long would you like to be an MP in Murewa North?
I would not want to be an MP for more than one five year term. I believe in leadership renewal, so, I would leave the legislative role for new blood.
Post published in: News