Lupane West MP addresses community concerns at feedback meeting
Thembelihle Mhlanga
Lupane West legislator, Mxolisi Sibanda addressed local concerns during a well-attended consultation and feedback meeting at Nono Primary School on Saturday.
Chief Menyezwa, Ward Councillors, Village Heads, Headmen, and representatives from various wards participated, focusing on community challenges and development initiatives.
Councillors highlighted water scarcity impacting livestock and livelihoods, dwindling grazing areas, poor network coverage, inadequate roads, and a lack of medicine at health facilities. A councillor from Lubimbi Ward 20 emphasized the plight of rural farmers receiving low cattle prices and resorting to bartering goats for mealie-meal. Anxieties surfaced regarding the upcoming Shangani Dam construction and the lack of information about relocation and compensation.
Hon. Sibanda commended the community’s participation and pledged to work closely with villagers, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
“I want to thank the people of Lupane for their votes,” Sibanda said. “Your support is invaluable as we strive for positive change. As your elected representative, it’s my duty to listen to your concerns and seek solutions,” Sibanda continued. “Your participation is crucial for our community’s development.”
Beyond infrastructure, Sibanda highlighted social issues like child abuse, gender-based violence, and substance abuse. He stressed the importance of unity and active participation in tackling these challenges. “I assure you that I will advocate for your interests and concerns at the highest levels of governance,” concluded Sibanda. “Together, we can make a difference and overcome the challenges we face.”
Following the meeting, there was a sports tournament to foster community spirit. Winners received soccer balls and sports kits, while children were gifted small packs of pens, rulers, and sweets.
The engagement meeting provided a platform for the Lupane West community to voice their concerns and actively contribute to the constituency’s development. With a focus on water scarcity, infrastructure issues, and social challenges, the meeting solidified the commitment of both elected representatives and the community to work collaboratively for a better region.
