by Harare Post Reporter
The year 2020 has seen the country recording some successes, despite a myriad of challenges witnessed throughout the year, said President Mnangagwa while giving closing remarks at the end of the final Cabinet meeting of 2020.
“As we end today’s Cabinet session, which is the last for the year 2020, it is imperative that we take stock of some of the achievements in our journey towards the attainment of Vision 2030. The year has recorded a number of successes, which would not have been possible without your commitment to duty and excellent performance,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa said the country had made huge strides in the rehabilitation and upgrading of infrastructure, especially on the Harare-Beitbridge Road.
He further said Government would continue according due attention to the Harare-Chirundu road as it is the gateway to the north.
President Mnangagwa also said the District Development Fund (DDF) and Local Authorities played a huge role in the maintenance and construction of feeder roads as well as bridges across the country.
The President further said Government prioritized dam construction as it was central to the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy, whose objectives include the assurance of food security and production of raw materials for domestic industries.
He went on to say that Government would set aside resources and expedite the completion of Tuli-Manyange dam in Matabeleland South, Causeway dam and Vungu dam in Midlands to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
On the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme, the President said the programme was aimed at improving agricultural productivity in the country.
He urged Ministers responsible to ensure that farmers get inputs on time in order for them to be able to take advantage of the rains and plant in time.
The President also said Government should be commended for the completion and subsequent launch of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1), a successor plan to the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP). He said the NDS 1 would guide national budgeting and programming for the next five years.
On the issue of the Devolution and Decentralisation Policy, the President said the impact of the policy was being felt in the provinces, as devolution funds are being deployed towards various projects which include water, health, education as well as the re-tooling and re-equipping of local authorities.
The President also said the decision to deal decisively with malpractices by mobile money operators resulted in the restoration of sanity and integrity in the financial services sector. He went on to say that the introduction of the foreign currency exchange market has brought about exchange rate stability, as well as slowed down price increases.
President Mnangagwa said that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted some aspects of people’s lives resulting in the intermittent shutdown of several businesses. He said Government had to intervene and introduce the ZWL$18 billion Stimulus and Recovery Package to help businesses.
He also said COVID-19 also provided opportunities for growth towards self-reliance, particularly in the health sector.
Coming to the mining sector, the President said the sector made huge strides this year in implementing projects under the US$12 Billion Mining Industry by 2023 strategy. He said that about three thousand jobs were created in mining projects in the Hwange area alone.
The President further revealed that power supplies had relatively stabilized in the country. He said various power projects that were being implemented would result in the country becoming a net exporter of power by 2023.
He further thanked Cabinet ministers for reaching out and informing the public on the various Government programmes and projects under implementation.
The President ordered for measures to be put in place to prevent, the disruption of Government business during this festive season.
Cabinet held 45 sessions, this year and is now going into a six-week recess to afford members some rest.
