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News - Date: 24 March 2006
It has been a difficult and winding road of success for a poor little rural boy who defied all the odds to rise despite the scourge of poverty. Lucas Manyuha leads one of the poorest municipalities in the country, but he has succeeded in putting the little municipality on the map, despite limited resources.
When the municipality was introduced, prophets of doom demanded that it be disbanded because they claimed it could not sustain itself as it is situated in a predominately rural environment.
But the former barefooted herd boy proved his critics wrong through hard work, persistence and perseverance. Last week, the little municipality was awarded with an appreciation certificate by the provincial office of the IEC for taking position one in voter turnout, peacefulness and election administration during the recent local government elections.
Manyuha made history when he was reelected mayor of the municipality during the first council meeting held at the municipality’s board room on Thursday last week. Maria Mamedzi was also reelected speaker of the municipality during the function. Manyuha, Hangwani Mudzielwana, Donald Nekhunguni and Adam Mulaudzi were elected to serve in the municipality’s executive committee. Two ANC members, to be decided by the organization, will represent the municipality in the district level.
In an exclusive interview with Mirror, Manyuha said he was still prepared to bring positive changes in the municipality, despite limited resources. He passed his gratitude to all the community members who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to go voting during the local government elections which resulted in giving the municipality position one in voter turnout (53,53%). “This is an indication that we have worked harmoniously during the past five years and I do hope that the relationship will prevail in the next five years. I humbly request all the outgoing and new councillors to work together with the community in order to carry out the mandate given to us by the people of Mutale. I am also grateful to the people of Mutale for reelecting me to the office of the mayor. The main objective of the Mutale local municipality is to deliver services honestly, conscientiously and fairly…”
Manyuha says the municipality is ready to work with different stakeholders to bring changes in the lives of the local community members. “We are more than ready to listen to the people and work harmoniously with business, labour, civic movements, the religious community, the youth, traditional leaders and other progressive organizations to make Mutale Municipality a better place to stay. Together, we will also make sure that everyone pulls in the same direction in building better communities for sustainable development…”
Manyuha said the municipality aimed to accelerate service delivery so that all communities would have access to clean water, decent housing and sanitation.
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