Former Norton MP, Mliswa says is not interested in political positions but Shurugwi development
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Shurugwi – Former Norton Member of Parliament, Temba Mliswa who was recently installed head- man has vowed to roll-out massive development programs in his home area, ward 5 of Shurugwi South Constituency.
In order to come up with meaningful development, Mliswa crafted a determined 90-day development programme that is expected to turn his village into an agriculture hub resulting in job creation and food sustainability.
Recently speaking during his installation as Headman Mliswa in Ward 5 Shurugwi South, Mliswa said the project will be the envy of many as it will be a development model that can help other areas in the country.
He said the next three months will be a crucial moment for the area, with the initiative expected to spill to surrounding villages and the whole of Shurugwi South Constituency.
Alongside employment and food, the former Norton Legislator, who is no stranger to development initiatives said the project will also provide solar power and taped borehole water to villagers.
“We have so far put-up solar panels meant to support one hectare drip irrigation and drilled nine boreholes, which in three months’ time will be supporting a hectare each under drip irrigation,” he said.
Mliswa said his area will become a green belt through horticulture and people from faraway areas will come there to buy various agricultural produce where they will grow cabbages, butternuts, potatoes, green vegetables and other vegetables.
Mliswa said his village has 50 households which will be supported by the 10 boreholes with five working on each borehole.
“The households will get 10 percent of money realised from the projects,” he said. Apart from monetary benefits, headman Mliswa said people will have tap water at their homes and will no longer travel for the precious commodity.
Headman Mliswa said he was leaving no stone unturned and has already built a house for a resident agronomist and purchased a motorbike.
“I am a
development-oriented work- horse. The development I undertook in Hurungwe West and Norton Constituencies will manifest here as I used to pump at least US$150 000 for development initiatives, which I now intend to channel here,” he said.
A former legislator for Hurungwe West and Norton Constituencies, Mliswa urges local councillors and legistlators who see his ascendency to headman as a threat which may result in him taking their position to be at easy for he is not interested in their positions.
“I was an MP before and I think I did well in executing my duties. I no longer want to be an MP but I want development for this area.
“The developmental projects I am do- ing are to compliment them (politicians) and if they want the same they should come on the ground so that we assist each other.”
Headman Mliswa who said is still part of Zanu PF warned politicians who take positions through deceit and vote buying.
He said gone are the days politicians used money to get positions in Shurugwi South as all candidates will be vetted by village heads at grassroots level.
Mliswa said he supports President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision and will rally behind Zanu PF, which is the ruling party.
“I have never at any time left Zanu PF but was expelled. Even if a father banishes his son, his bloodline the DNA do not change. I have always stood by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
His installation did not go without incident as some officials within the Ministry of Local Government had conspired with certain politicians to block his installation.
“I have not taken this position because I am power hungry but because I am heir apparent,” he said. Mliswa takes over the reins from his niece Maria who had been in acting capacity.
His installation last week by Chief Banga marks the return of his family to the rein after his grandfather Sixpence Peter Mliswa who held the position until his death in 1964.
