By Fanuel Chinowaita
Nyanga, 18 January 2026– Long-serving Nyanga South Member of Parliament Super Mandiwanzira has openly conceded that his constituency continues to lag behind in infrastructure development and employment creation, appealing for intervention to unlock stalled projects.
Mandiwanzira made the remarks at a Presidential Empowerment Programme in Nyanga, where he cited the unfinished Bhinya Road, unemployment and lack of industrialisation as clear signs that communities in the area have not received adequate development over the years, despite sustained ZANU PF leadership.
The legislator, who has been a Member of Parliament for the fourth term, said the Bhinya Road, which links Nyanga North and Nyanga South, has remained incomplete since 1980.
“Bhinya Road has not been completed since 1980. The funds that have been availed towards it have been too little to bring real progress, yet this road connects Nyanga North and Nyanga South,” Mandiwanzira said.
He also called for the urgent rehabilitation of Tangwena Road, saying poor road infrastructure continues to undermine economic activity and access to services in the district.
On energy and water infrastructure, Mandiwanzira referred to a proposed 30-megawatt power project and dam, noting that the tender was won by businessman Wicknell Chivhayo.
He appealed to Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara to assist in pushing the project forward.
“I appeal to Tungwarara to help us. He is in the same business with Chivhayo and understands his language. He is better placed to engage him so that this project can move,” Mandiwanzira said.
Turning to livelihoods, the MP said youth unemployment remained a major concern in Nyanga South, despite the district being a leading producer of potatoes and onions.
“Our youths have no jobs. We are farming potatoes and onions, but there is no value addition. We need a potato factory so that we create employment locally,” he said.
Mandiwanzira also called for the establishment of a vocational college, saying skills training was critical to addressing unemployment and rising drug abuse, including the use of mutoriro, among young people.
“A vocational college will help our youths acquire skills and move away from drug abuse,” he said.
Responding to the concerns, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Joshua Sacco said government had made provisions in the 2026 national budget for road works in the area.
“In 2026, we have a budget for 10 kilometres of Bhinya Road and another 10 kilometres from Rwenya going towards Nyanga South,” Sacco said.
The Presidential Empowerment Programme is part of government efforts to identify development gaps at grassroots level and align them with national priorities under Vision 2030.