Tsvangirai Promises to Revive Troubled Bulawayo Industries

BULAWAYO —  Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says his party will revive collapsing industries in Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo, if the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is elected into power in the forthcoming general election.

Mr. Tsvangirai made these remarks at White City Stadium where he told about 40,000 supporters that Zimbabweans should vote for his party which will transform the national economy and revitalize industries in Bulawayo.

More than 80 companies have either collapsed or relocated to Harare since the formation of the unity government due to lack of capital to boost production and serious shortages of water.

Mr. Tsvangirai also promised to cater for the youth, elderly and poor if elected president in the July 31 polls.

Nelson Chamisa, the party’s organizing secretary, told VOA Studio 7 the MDC-T is expected to make a clean sweep in the region in the polls.

In the Matabeleland South provincial capital, Gwanda, businesses were forced to close as President Robert Mugabe addressed thousands of people at Pelandaba Stadium.

Psychology Maziwisa, Zanu PF deputy information and publicity director, said indications are that Zanu PF will clinch most seats in Matabeleland South province.

But Gwanda resident, Bulesti Nyathi, said people were forced to attend the rally as they were transported in buses and trucks from as far afield as Bulilima, Insiza and Mzingwane districts.

In a related development, youth groups have described as authentic results of a survey conducted by the Research and Advocacy Unit indicating that about 2 million youths have been left out of Zimbabwe’s voters’ roll.

Several youth groups said they have been struggling since the formation of the unity government to register young people on the country’s voters’ roll.

They say most youths were turned away by the Registrar General’s Office for allegedly failing to produce documents showing their place of residence.

Wellington Zindove of the Youth Forum said the RG’s office suspects that most youths will vote against Zanu PF which is believed to be linked to the former liberation party.

Registrar General Tobaiwa Mudede was not reachable for comment. Zimbabwe will hold a general election July 31.