Vanduzi — The Local Initiative Investment Budget (OIIL), granted by the central Mozambican government to each of the 128 districts as from 2006, has created 1,180 new jobs in Manica district, in the province of the same name, according to the general secretary of the ruling Frelimo Party, Filipe Paunde.

Addressing an election rally in the Vanduzi administrative post on Friday, Paunde stressed that the fund had been set precisely to increase food production and to create jobs.

He added that some of the money had also gone towards expanding the commercial network in the district, and to building a new bakery run by a women's association.

"Here we see the population is well dressed, well fed and healthy, and this is the result of the past five years of work", said Paunde. "Poverty is not overcome in a year. It's gradual work, but the activities undertaken in the five year term of office of our government are a positive sign that poverty is being weakened".

Paunde added that in 2004 Manica district did not have a single doctor, but now it has three. The number of health posts in the district has risen from 18 to 21. A new maternity ward has been built, as well as a new mortuary.

"We are now training agricultural engineers in the province, and we are expanding the school network so that more of our children can have access to education", he said. "These achievements show that we have done what we promised to do in 2004. and other promises are being implemented. But there are still people who say all this is nothing".

Paunde warned against politicians (whom he did not name) who say that once in power they will give jobs to all young people "which is impossible".

"Some people say Frelimo is not concerned bout the life of young people", he said. "But who is it who is studying in the schools and institutes we have built and are continuing to build?".

"It is these achievements that have persuaded our brothers who used to be in the opposition to return to Frelimo", he added. Paunde was referring to three former members of opposition parties who publicly joined Frelimo at the rally. Two had been members of Renamo and one was from the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM).