Mushowe Wants Manicaland To Benefit From Diamonds

Mushowe said he was putting together a consolidated plan to ensure Manicaland benefitted substantially from the diamond resource.

“Manicaland is the custodian of the Chiadzwa diamonds and should be the first to benefit from the sale of these gems,” Mushowe told provincial heads of government departments in Mutare.

“There can never be any justification other than having those gems make a difference here. Can Manicaland leave it to other parts of the country to benefit from its own resources ahead of it?”

Mushowe said the people of Manicaland Province should collectively lobby o ensure they substantially benefit from the mineral resources in the region that also includes gold.

“No, we should collectively lobby and advocate for infrastructural, socio-economic development of this region,” Mushowe said.

“Manicaland should benefit from the exploitation of its diamonds and gold. That is the benefit this region should accrue from its proximity and association with the land endowed with natural resources.”

He said as soon as the diamond sales started Mutare should become the best developed city in the country.

 “As soon as we start selling the diamonds, we want to see a transformation of Mutare into the best town in Zimbabwe,” said Mushohwe.

Mushowe’s comments come amid allegations Zanu (PF) politicians and their connections were looting diamonds from Chiadzwa in a well knitted syndicate involving the military.

Individuals in President Mugabe’s government such as mines minister Obert Mpofu have come under public scrutiny after they reportedly went on a property buying spree.