HWANGE - Mines minister, Obert Mpofu, yesterday read the riot act to mining companies here and ordered them to develop a decrepit local school.

Speaking during a prize- giving day at Chilusa Secondary School in Hwange, Mpofu ordered all mining companies in the area to upgrade the school, failure of which they will face dire consequences.

The tough-talking Mpofu was was celebrating his 61st birthday.

Mpofu had been alerted that the school was located at the centre of the mining town yet it was dilapidated.

“There are a lot of mining companies here but there is no development taking place,” Mpofu said.

“I hereby order South Mining Company to equip Chilusa School science laboratory, Makomo Investments to fence the school, Hwange Colliery Company to build the administration block and the Zimbabwe Power Company to electrify the school and Chibondo Company to build teachers’ cottages.

“I am the boss here and anybody who refuses to comply, tell me and they will face the consequences.”

The minister intimated that community share ownership trusts under the indigenisation drive will be launched in Matabeleland North soon.

Mpofu said he was a formidable minister who had all other ministries crawling to him for funds.

“I am not only a big doctor but a big minister too,” said Mpofu, who recently obtained a doctorate. In fact, I am the most important minister. We are the ones keeping the country going and all ministers come to me for money,” he said. - Lloyd Mbiba