Staff Reporter
The cabinet recently reviewed significant progress on priority projects for the second 100-day cycle of 2024, highlighting strides made in the sectors of justice, legal, and parliamentary affairs, as well as national housing and social amenities.
During a post-Cabinet media briefing, on Wednesday, Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere detailed the achievements under the Ministry of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs. Adding that among the key developments were advancements in prisoner rehabilitation and the construction of new court complexes.
"Regarding rehabilitation and reintegration, 112 inmates at Anju Prison in Matabeleland North Province have acquired skills in the brick processing industry, while 80 inmates have been trained in seeding and transplanting various crops.
“Mazowe Prison in Mashonaland Central, 20 inmates were trained in interpreting plans, foundation works, and bricklaying, with an additional 50 inmates receiving training in agricultural practices such as seeding and transplanting cabbages and onions,” said Minister Muswere.
In addition, Minister Muswere noted progress made at other prison and court facilities in other provinces in order to enhance judicial efficiency.
“Mutimurefu Prison in Masvingo Province, where inmates received agro-based skills, and at Hurungwe Prison in Mashonaland West Province, where inmates benefited from a 40-hectare wheat crop under the Centre Pivot Irrigation Facility.
“In terms of infrastructure, the Chiredzi New Magistrate Court Complex is 98% complete, the Gwanda New Court Complex is at 63% completion, and the Mtawatawa New Magistrate Court is 70% complete. The testing of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System is also ongoing, enhancing judicial efficiency,” Minister Muswere explained.
The Minister also shared progress on housing projects under the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities.
"The construction of 4x3-storey blocks of flats with 48 units in Dzivarasekwa, Harare, has been completed and commissioned by His Excellency President Mnangagwa.
The construction of 4x4-storey blocks of flats with 64 units in Marondera is 83% complete, and 19 housing units for civil servants in Lupane have been finished.
“Additionally, 20 houses for flood victims in Binga have been completed, with the construction of another 17 houses ongoing.
Furthermore, Minister Muswere highlighted that the Ministry also facilitated private sector projects, to include the development of 723 stands and 360 housing units for the Batanayi Housing Project in Chinhoyi by the National Social Security Authority of Zimbabwe, 36 flats in Marondera, 10 Churchill cluster homes by FBC Building Society, and 72 Crowborough flats by Homelink.
Meanwhile, highlighting the Government’s commitment to sustainable development, Minister Muswere announced that the Cabinet has approved the Presidential Solarisation Project by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA).
"This project aims to promote rural industrialization by expanding solar-powered infrastructure. Benefits of the project include a piped water system, nutrition gardening, livestock watering, and household power usage.
“Each rural household will receive a solar system to power electrical appliances, while a solar-powered water system will use submersible pumps to boost agricultural productivity and food security, especially in remote areas lacking grid infrastructure,” he remarked.
The Presidential Solarisation Project will build resilient communities and promote development using non-polluting green energy sources.
These initiatives reflect the Government’s dedication to improving living standards, fostering economic growth, and supporting sustainable development across Zimbabwe.
