President Mugabe has challenged Zimba-bweans to come up with a constitution that safeguards and extends the gains of the liberation struggle.

In a briefing with the Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial leadership at St Michael’s Mission Hospital in Mhondoro-Ngezi before officially opening an Opportunistic Infections Clinic, President Mugabe urged traditional leaders to play a key role in the constitutional outreach programme.

The clinic was built with the Italian government’s support.

"Tochenjerawo zviye zvingade kupinzwa zvogojomora mabolts atakasunga.

"Hatidi zvokuti pave neconstitution inotidzosera shure. It should be an extension of the gains of our Independence," President Mugabe said.

President Mugabe said the new constitution should be a reflection of the people’s wishes.

Parliament’s Constitution Select Committee has embarked on outreach programmes to gather views on what should be included in the new constitution.

President Mugabe also spoke on the need for economic empowerment.

He said Zimbabweans had for a long time watched big companies mine and take away their minerals with little benefits to them.

"Zviri kucherwa kana zvabuda muvhu hazvidyarwe sembeu. Tochenjerawo, inyika iri kukoromorwa zvirikuenda kupi?

"Zvichapa hupfumi kunani? Ndokusaka takati aiwa makachera zvakakwana zvotochera nhasi namangwana zvova zveduwo.

"Ndozvatava kuita," he said.

Zimbabwe has embarked on an economic empowerment drive that will see foreign owned companies with a value above US$500 000 selling 51 percent of shareholding to indigenous Zimbabweans.

The President said Europe and America wanted African countries to remain suppliers of raw materials.

He said the West was not comfortable with the establishment of secondary industries on the continent.

This, he said, explained why some African countries that attained Independence well before Zimbabwe still lagged behind in terms of real development.

President Mugabe said countries like Italy, India and China stood ready to assist Zimbabwe despite Western efforts to isolate the country.

Speaking after officially opening St Michael’s Hospital Opportunistic Infections Clinic, President Mugabe said there have been several developments at the 120-bed institution since it opened in 1984.

"Today, St Michael’s Hospital’s catchment area has experienced phenomenal growth and covers Mhondoro-Ngezi, parts of Chegutu District and Mashonaland East Province including Chivhu.

"Some people from Harare and Norton also use this institution, underlining its important contribution to the country’s efforts to keep health care within the reach of all people," President Mugabe said.

The Catholic-run hospital has three resident doctors, 21 registered general nurses, three State certified nurses and 17 primary care nurses, among other professionals.

HIV and Aids care programmes started in 2001.

To date, 3 100 patients are on the hospital’s Opportunistic Infections Clinic register.

President Mugabe saluted St Michael’s Hospital medical superintendent Dr Maria Buggiani for her commitment and dedication.

Zanu-PF Politburo members Cdes Webster Shamu, Nathan Shamuyarira and Ignatius Chombo were among the dignitaries present.

Also present was Italy’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Stefano Moscatelli.