By Margaret Kamba

Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Cde Judith Ncube says contrary to the belief that there's no development occurring in her jurisdiction, the Second Republic under the leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has made sure that industries are being resuscitated.

She said this during an interview with the ZANU PF Information and Publicity Department at her Mhlahlandlela offices in Bulawayo.

Bulawayo was known for its thriving industrial prowess with it being coined "kontuthu ziyathunqa" due to the smoke from the Zimbabwe Power Company's Bulawayo Power Station.

This seems to have died down due to the illegally imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe after the country embarked on the Land Reform Programme which saw many landless black majority becoming masters of their own destiny.

"I would like to begin by thanking President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the work he has done in Bulawayo Province during his first term in office. Many projects such as that of hospitals, schools and universities have been witnessed," Cde Ncube said.

"Mpilo Hospital had spent years with burnt buildings resulting in many doctors failing to have accommodation and returning to Harare, but when he came in, he made sure that accommodation blocks were put in places for junior doctors and nurses."

She added that Cure Hospital providing free access to health care for children with disabilities had assisted not only local children but those from neighbouring countries as well.

"For 17 years cranes had been housed at National University of Science and Technology NUST with nothing happening, but the Second Republic has seen to the provision of student accommodation and an industrial hub progressing so well," she said.

"President Mnangagwa’s approach to engage and re-engage especially during the COVID-19 pandemic saw the setting up of 50 isolation centres as government partnered with the churches."

She was quick to point out companies such as Tregers, National Blankets, ZimPlow as well as G and D Shoes which she said were doing well and crucial for the COMESA leather cluster.

"President Mnangagwa has constantly preached the message that 'lizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo' and we hope that with his second term this work continues and the projects are completed," she said.

"When investors come they ask for a reliable source of water and energy and the President felt the need to address this. With the Gwayi-Shanghani Dam finished, we will see the investors come into Bulawayo."