ED in no show at Hwange Colliery rally

By Own Correspondent| HWANGE- President Emmerson Mnangagwa did not show up to address his own rally at Hwange Colliery stadium on Wednesday afternoon ZimEye.com can exclusive reveal.

Mnangagwa left hundreds of people stranded after he ‘aborted’ the rally citing ‘pressing commitments in Harare.’ One of our sources revealed that hundreds of people were waiting for the president who did not show up at the scheduled rally.

‘The President came here for official ground- breaking ceremony and commissioning of ZPC stages 7 and 8 at Hwange colliery. The function was graced by several dignitaries from the Chinese embassy, Government ministers among others.

‘Soon after the commissioning of the $1.5 billion injection project from China, the general public was left stranded as the President did not show up at the stadium where local leadership said he was due to address the communities here,’ said a local businessman who declined to be named.

Several sources including police officers, teachers in the area confirmed that President ED was due to address the rally but did not show up.

‘It is true that President ED was scheduled to address the rally at the stadium but he never came,’ added one of our sources at the mining town.

Officially commissioning the project under Sino-Hydro project Mnangagwa said the supply of sustainable power is critical for sustainable development and modern economy.

“Electricity is key to revival of our industries. With adequate power, hunger shall never again visit Zimbabwe. Government is incurring a huge import bill, hence increasing internal power generation capacity is critical,” said Mnangagwa.

He noted that the Hwange Unit 7 and 8 expansion project comes after the commissioning of the Kariba South Hydro Power Project in March this year, which added 300mw to the national grid, adding that this project signals the government’s resolve to develop the country.
‘Government stands ready to facilitate foreign investment. Local companies must be engaged in joint ventures and partnerships,’ he added.
Mnangagwa challenged business to seek mutually beneficial and sustainable development in the communities they operate in.

He added that the project will create 3000 jobs, including in downstream industries, urging ZESA to give priority to the local people.

He commended strong bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and China.
“Our cooperation with the people of China has reached another level and strategic scope of partnership,” he said.
Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe remain safe for business investment besides the weekend bomb explosion at a Zanu PF rally in Bulawayo.