'Biti worsened the de-industrialiation of Bulawayo,' says Mugabe

PRESIDENT Mugabe yesterday slammed Finance Minister, Tendai Biti for worsening the de-industrialisation of Bulawayo by refusing to release funds to revive the country's second biggest city.

Officially launching the Zanu-PF election manifesto and election campaign at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield here, President Mugabe said Bulawayo is no longer the industrial capital of the country that it used to be, in part because of Minister Biti's actions.

"Bulawayo used to be the industrialised city. It was only after the federation (after 1953) that Harare had industrial development. If you go now, employment in Bulawayo has fallen. To tell Biti to help those towns to get them up he says 'no," said Mugabe.

The official launch was attended by tens of thousands of Zanu-PF supporters.

The party's candidates for the July 31 elections were also introduced to the people and the Presidium. Zanu-PF is conducting its campaign under the theme "Indigenise, empower, develop and create employment." Redevelopment of industry in the wake of the sanctions-induced challenges is a key part of the party's 108-page manifesto.

The President said if the party secures a fresh mandate from the people in the forthcoming harmonised elections; it would spearhead the re-industrialisation of the country.

He said the Government does not know how about $500 million in special drawing rights given to the country by the International Monetary Fund was used.

"We had half a billion dollars from special drawing rights but we don't know what he (Minister Biti) used it for. No money went to Bulawayo including Gweru, Mutare and Harare which came later. We also want to boost agriculture and mining," he said.

As many as 100 companies have closed down in Bulawayo, making 20 000 people jobless because of the economic challenges caused by illegal western sanctions.

Others have downsized production, resulting in low production. Many workers have to work fewer hours, which means their salaries have been cut.

The Government came up with the $40 million Distressed Industries and Marginalised Areas Fund (Dimaf) which has been mired in controversy, amid complaints that tough requirements have made it difficult for Bulawayo companies to access support under the facility.

Zanu-PF candidates from Matabeleland expressed confidence that the party would win the elections and do away with the inclusive government.

In interviews on the sidelines of the launch, Zanu-PF provincial chairman for Matabeleland South and Insiza North National Assembly candidate Andrew Langa and Elifasi Mashaba said the revolutionary party was on course to a resounding victory which would enable it to implement programmes on its own.

"This event (launch of manifesto) is a reflection that Zanu-PF will romp to victory. I am encouraged by the crowd which is here. The spirit shown by all who are here is great and uplifting. Zanu-PF is a party which has policies that are people-oriented. We cannot be compared with parties like the MDCs which are not focussed on the interests of the people. From here, it will be all systems go and victory is certain," he said.

Mashaba, the party's National Assembly candidate for Nketa in Bulawayo said he was happy to attend the launch because it reminds him of the historic rally addressed by President Mugabe at Zimbabwe Grounds in 1980.