HCC boss challenges farmers

Business
HWANGE Colliery Company (HCC) acting managing director Jemister Chininga has bemoaned the continuous lack of livestock exhibition at this year’s Hwange provincial agricultural show

HWANGE Colliery Company (HCC) acting managing director Jemister Chininga has bemoaned the continuous lack of livestock exhibition at this year’s Hwange provincial agricultural show despite the province being a cattle-rearing region.

In a speech read on his behalf by the colliery’s metallurgical operations manager Bongani Ndlovu during the official opening of the provincial show on Saturday, Chininga challenged local famers to continue cattle-rearing projects to help revive the national herd.

“It is sad to note that livestock is not prominent at this show. Matabeleland is in region five which is good for cattle, goats and sheep,” he said.

“I sincerely hope and trust that next year livestock throughout the province will be showcased here.”

Whange Agricultural Show was held between Thursday and Saturday in Hwange town and had 28 exhibitors.

Matabeleland north province falls under region five which is characterised by low rainfall, but is ideal for livestock production.

Chininga said the country’s economic revival was premised on revitalisation of the agricultural and mining sectors as the government had been introducing and implementing various policy measures to facilitate rapid growth in these areas.

“All that is required is for these sectors to adapt to this economic empowerment changing environment to fulfill envisaged achievements,” he said.

Chininga said HCC would continue to play its role to ensure that exhibitions of such magnitude were held successfully through provision of various facilities such as the venue, water, electricity and other related activities at a minimal cost or free of charge as part of its corporate social responsibility.

The company is in the process of installing a new perimeter fence at the request of the Whange Show Society while Hwange Power Station through Zimbabwe Power Company, a subsidiary of Zesa Holdings, has pledged to assist with provision of roofing material for the society’s farmers hall.

Meawnhile, the Whange Show Society chairperson Herbert Sansole challenged other local companies to also play a role by showcasing their products and assist the society.

Exhibitors included Agribank, the National Social Security Authority, Zimbabwe Power Company, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Forestry Commission, Environment Management Authority, Grain Marketing Board, National Parks and Wildlife, Makomo Resources, Hwange Local Board and Youth, Indigenisation and Employment Creation ministry, among others.