MPs, chiefs order company to employ Zanu-PF youths only

Mutasa North MP Luke Masamvu (Zanu-PF) and traditional leaders yesterday reportedly ordered management at Nyanga Renewable Energy (NRE) to employ ruling party youths only at the company's power generation projects.

NRE is establishing hydropower projects on Duru River in Mutasa Central constituency, another one along Nyamhungira River and in Zindi ward three in Mutasa North constituency.

Nyangani already operates three similar hydropower stations in Manicaland - Nyamigura and Duru which produce 1,1 megawatts (MW) each and Pungwe which produces 3,85MW, feeding into the national grid.

Masamvu reportedly issued the directive during a closed-door meeting attended by NRE general manager Rob Goddard, traditional leaders, Zanu-PF youths and three local headmen and councillor Thomas Pambare where the company was to follow a given list of Zanu-PF youths provided by the headmen.

Although Masamvu could not be reached for comment yesterday, sources said the meeting was chaired by a Zanu-PF activist identified as Amon Chiocha.

Sources said Masamvu reportedly also ordered the company to employ members of his Johane Marange apostolic sect.

The management was further threatened with unspecified action if they failed to abide by the directive.

The three headmen who attended the meeting were Tsanzi Nyakunuwa, Enoch Zindi and Onias Madirawe while Tapiwa Zvirahwa and JiboniMapeta represented Zanu-PF youths.