By Leopold Munhende in Muzarabani
A TRADITIONAL leader in Mashonaland Central province has, in a rare show of bravery, stood up and accused Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe of being behind the massive looting of the country’s mineral resources.
Chief Chiweshe, born Matthew Chitemamuswe, also accused the Chinese nationals of abusing the role China played in the liberation struggle for an independent Zimbabwe, to take Zimbabwe for granted and loot its vast mineral resources including chrome and gold.
He was speaking to journalists Saturday after a media tour of Mavuradonha Wilderness.
The traditional leader questioned how a Chinese mining company, Afrochine, had been allowed by the government to mine chrome ore in the belly of the iconic heritage site.
MDC-led Harare City Council is operating with a master plan that is at least three decades behind with the city reluctant to produce a latest one.
The last master plan was in 1993 when Zanu PF was still running the city’s affairs. Since the MDC took charge of Harare, it has never produced any.
Lack of a master plan has over the past two decades led to haphazard planning of the city as corrupt MDC officials were allocating stands in wetlands and land reserved for social amenities.
Speaking during a virtual meeting organised by the Harare Wetlands Trust this afternoon, city planner Dr Percy Toriro said residents can demand an updated city master plan that resonates with the current challenges.