Mhuri Commends Development Projects as Shurugwi South Records Broad Infrastructure Gains

SHURUGWI – Shurugwi South Member of Parliament, Engineer Wilson Mhuri, recently commended a wide range of development projects implemented under the Second Republic led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, saying the initiatives demonstrate government’s commitment to service delivery, accountability and grassroots development.

Hon Mhuri said the constituency has benefited from coordinated investments in road infrastructure, water and sanitation, renewable energy, health, education and income-generating projects, many of which were implemented through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) alongside central government programmes and development partners.

Among the flagship projects are the Shurugwi–Mhandamabwe Road Project, the drilling of more than 100 boreholes across the constituency, the solarisation of 45 boreholes under the Presidential Scheme, the Ward 23 Zhaugwe South Solar Plant, and the launch of fish farming initiatives at Village Business Units (VBUs).

Providing further detail at a recent constituency feedback meeting, Mhuri presented a ward-by-ward breakdown of completed and ongoing projects funded through CDF. These include construction of staff houses at schools such as Kubatana Secondary, rehabilitation and roofing of classroom blocks at Jongwe, Rusike and Gamwa primary schools, construction of ablution blocks at several learning institutions, and electrification of clinics and business centres.

CDF resources were also used to support health infrastructure, including the construction of mothers’ shelters at clinics in Tokwe, Chikato, Ruchanyu, Mazibisa and Dorset, clinic electrification at Gamwa, and contributions towards holding cells at Donga. Water and sanitation projects funded through the fund include solarised boreholes with VBUs in wards 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, as well as borehole rehabilitation in communities such as Mapani, Chimwanda and Dorset.

In the next funding allocation,the legislator hinted funds will support community infrastructure such as the Chachacha Multi-Purpose Stadium, construction of garden toilets, irrigation assistance at Zananda, rehabilitation of weir bridges in wards 2, 7, 20, 21 and 24, and the establishment of early childhood development (ECD) centres in areas including Reitfontein and Walshblock.
Mhuri said the decentralised approach to development has ensured equitable distribution of resources across all wards, particularly in critical sectors such as water provision, healthcare access and education infrastructure. He complimented communities, traditional leaders and development partners for their cooperation, noting that local ownership has enhanced project sustainability.

“These projects are not merely about infrastructure. They are about restoring dignity, improving access to basic services and creating sustainable economic opportunities for our people,” Mhuri said.
Several additional projects have been earmarked for implementation in 2025, including dam rehabilitation, clinic fencing, dip tank construction, borehole capacitation and sanitation infrastructure, further strengthening service delivery across the constituency.

The developments come amid heightened national scrutiny over the management of the Constituency Development Fund, following recent law-enforcement action in other constituencies. Earlier this month, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) arrested Chiredzi West Member of Parliament Darlington Chiwa in connection with the alleged abuse of CDF resources meant for community projects. ZACC spokesperson Kindness Paradza confirmed the arrest, citing allegations that Chiwa, who also chaired the Chiredzi West CDF committee, assumed sole control of the constituency bank account after allegedly coercing other community signatories to relinquish their roles.

Against that backdrop, observers say Shurugwi South presents a contrasting case, pointing to Mhuri’s detailed public disclosure of CDF-funded projects as indicative of a higher standard of transparency and accountability.
Residents attending the feedback meeting welcomed the progress, citing improved access to clean water, better healthcare services and improved learning environments as some of the most tangible benefits.

 Mhuri said government remains committed to completing outstanding works and closing remaining service delivery gaps as part of the Second Republic’s development agenda