Staff Reporter
In the wake of ZANU-PF's triumph in last year’s Harmonized General Elections, Zimbabwe has experienced an unprecedented wave of development under the leadership of President Ed Mnangagwa.
The Second Republic, post-election, has since kickstarted by a flurry of projects and initiatives aimed at steering the nation towards prosperity and progress. President Mnangagwa's commitment to development is evident across various ministries, each contributing to the transformation of the country.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, under the guidance of President Mnangagwa, has taken bold steps to enhance road safety. Mandating the installation of speed-limiting and monitoring devices in public service vehicles is a proactive measure to curb speeding and reduce road traffic 1accidents.
This move, outlined in Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023, sets a speed limit of 100 km/h on open roads, prioritizing the safety of both passengers and drivers. Furthermore, the zero-tolerance approach to potholes and extensive road rehabilitation initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to providing efficient and safe transportation infrastructure.
In the realm of healthcare, President Mnangagwa's leadership has been instrumental in ensuring affordable and accessible services for all citizens. The Ministry of Health and Child Care,s efforts to equip hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), scan machines, showcase a commitment to accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, proactive measures to combat the cholera outbreak, such as widespread vaccination and the presidential borehole drilling scheme to ensure clean water access, underscore the government's dedication to public health.
Addressing the imminent threat of famine caused by El Nino, President Mnangagwa's government has demonstrated foresight and strategic planning through National Development Strategies 1 and 2. Constructing high-impact dams in every province, including the ambitious US$2 billion mega dams projects, is a tangible example of proactive leadership.
This initiative does not only mitigate the impact of the drought but also ensures sustainable water resources for agricultural growth. The government's commitment to increasing irrigable land and the ambitious target of 350,000 ha under irrigation by 2025 highlight a comprehensive strategy to secure the nation's food supply.
The Ministry of Finance, under President Mnangagwa's leadership, has garnered commendation for its 2024 budget. Economic analysts acknowledge that the budget promotes stability and increases government revenues, particularly crucial amid global economic challenges.
Persistence Gwanyanya, a respected figure in economic analysis, emphasized the significance of the budget's focus on sustaining growth and stability. In his insightful evaluation, he commended the strategic approach employed, especially evident in the targeted support for vital sectors, such as agriculture, mining, and tourism.
As Gwanyanya aptly observes, "The budget stands as a beacon of resilience in the face of external uncertainties. Its emphasis on key sectors is a well-calibrated strategy that aligns with the broader goal of economic management. This proactive approach not only bolsters stability but also positions the economy to navigate turbulent global waters effectively."
This sentiment underscores the expert consensus that the budget is not merely a financial plan but a comprehensive roadmap for economic fortification. As the world grapples with unforeseen challenges, the deliberate measures embedded in the budget underscore the commitment to fortifying the nation's economic foundation.
The pronounced emphasis on preserving growth and stability, particularly within pivotal sectors such as agriculture, mining, and tourism, is testament to a meticulously crafted and strategic approach to economic management, especially when confronted with a myriad of uncertainties that characterize the external economic landscape.
In adopting this strategic stance, policymakers recognize the importance of these sectors as pillars of the national economy. Agriculture, being a fundamental component, not only ensures food security but also plays a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods.
The allocation of resources and policy focus on this sector demonstrates a commitment to bolstering the agricultural backbone, contributing not only to economic stability but also to the well-being of the populace.
Simultaneously, the strategic attention given to the mining sector underscores its role as a key driver of economic growth and revenue generation. By fortifying this sector, policymakers aim to leverage its potential as a significant contributor to national income, foster economic resilience, and create a buffer against external shocks.
Moreover, the spotlight on tourism acknowledges its multifaceted impact on the economy. Beyond being a source of foreign exchange, the tourism sector has the potential to generate employment and enhance the country's global image.
The strategic approach entails not only preserving existing tourism infrastructure but also implementing initiatives that promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices, ensuring long-term viability.
In the digital age, Zimbabwe has embarked on a transformative journey under President Mnangagwa's leadership. Recognizing the role of digitization in economic growth, the government has launched initiatives to modernize various sectors.
The ongoing construction of the Cyber City in Mt Hampden and the digitization of borders exemplify a commitment to leveraging technology for efficiency and accessibility. In agriculture, the provision of digital tools to Agricultural Extension Officers demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to boosting productivity.
The digitization of the country's borders, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, is a pivotal step towards an Integrated Digital System. This system, linking the police, ZIMRA, and the Office of the Registrar-General, enhances online applications for national identity cards and passports. Beyond administrative convenience, this digitization initiative enhances security services' ability to monitor and track criminals, ensuring safe border crossings.
A hallmark of President Mnangagwa's vision for industrialization and economic growth is the completion of the Manhize Steel Plant in Mvuma. This significant milestone signifies a reduction in Zimbabwe's dependency on imported steel, stimulates domestic production, and contributes to economic growth.
With a production capacity of five million metric tons of steel per year, the plant is poised to meet a substantial portion of the country's domestic demand, reducing foreign currency expenditure and improving the trade balance.
In conclusion, the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa's leadership, has ushered in a transformative era for Zimbabwe. The multifaceted approach to development across ministries reflects a commitment to addressing pressing issues, from road safety and healthcare to food security and economic stability.
President Mnangagwa's visionary leadership has positioned Zimbabwe on the path to becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030, demonstrating resilience and foresight in the face of challenges. As citizens, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the strides made under this administration, fostering confidence in our leaders during times of crisis.
