The Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, John Paradza, said Mashonaland Central should ensure that development projects are distributed fairly across all its districts and that local communities, particularly young people, directly benefit through employment and economic opportunities.
Speaking as guest of honour at the Mashonaland Central Provincial Youth Inter-District Meeting, recently, Paradza said the Second Republic’s infrastructure and economic development agenda under President Emmerson Mnangagwa had opened significant opportunities for communities and called for deliberate efforts to ensure no district was left behind.
“We must ensure that development projects are distributed equitably across all districts in Mashonaland Central so that every community benefits from the country’s development agenda.
Government’s focus on infrastructure development, investment promotion and economic transformation is creating opportunities that should directly improve the livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans,” he added.
Paradza challenged provincial leadership to ensure contractors implementing Government projects employ local people, saying this would help create jobs, build skills and stimulate local economies.
“I urge the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, to ensure that contractors awarded Government projects employ local people and empower our communities.
Development must create opportunities for our youths and improve household incomes,” he said.
Paradza also underscored the importance of unity in driving national development, urging young people to work together in support of programmes aimed at transforming their communities.
“Our strength lies in unity. We must work together to ensure that the benefits of national development projects reach every citizen, especially our young people, who are the future of this country.
Inclusive development was essential for sustainable economic progress and encouraged youths to actively participate in programmes designed to improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities,” he said.
The provincial youth meeting brought together young leaders and stakeholders to discuss youth participation in development programmes and ways of enhancing community empowerment.
Furthermore, they also focused on strengthening youth involvement in the implementation of Government initiatives while promoting equitable access to development opportunities across Mashonaland Central.
