Mnangagwa’s Independence Day speech

Fellow Zimbabweans,

My Government is committed to revitalising the social services sector, with a focus on the health delivery system, improving the quality and relevance of education, and the need for clean water and sanitation provision. We are equally mindful of the plight of the rural populations and the need to develop and create vibrant rural economies. In this regard, we increased the Ministry of Health and Child Care operational budget by 62 percent in 2018, and we will continue to facilitate the construction of more hospitals, ensure the availability of drugs, and the presence of qualified and dedicated health service personnel.

An amendment to the National Disability Act will soon be finalised and this will comprehensively provide for the rights and welfare of persons living with disabilities. My Government also remains committed to implement deterrent and punitive measures to stamp out abhorrent abuses and practices perpetrated against women and children across Zimbabwe.

In the primary education sector, the construction of 17 new schools has commenced with support from the OPEC Fund for International Development, while improvement of the school curriculum is ongoing.

My Government forges ahead with providing appropriate safety nets for vulnerable communities in our society. The Food Deficit Mitigation Programme, which has seen over 70 00 metric tonnes of grain being distributed to food insecure households serves as an example.

Additionally, over 400 000 pupils will be assisted, between June and December 2018 by the Basic Education Assistance Module. With the support of our partners, my Government has expanded the School Feeding Programme for learners among disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. In addition, the Zimbabwe Harmonised Social Cash Transfer Programme is in place and reaches labour-constrained and food insecure households.

Recognising the untold suffering and loss of wealth to the populace, and the chaotic urban development brought about by land-related corruption, my Government has constituted the Commission of Inquiry into the Sale of State Land in and around our urban areas.

With regard to local government, management and urban growth, my Government has directed all local authorities to observe good corporate governance, strictly adhere to urban planning by-laws, and facilitate the provision of clean potable water and sanitation infrastructure, among other services and utilities.

Following the upgraded bilateral relations with China, the perennial water challenges experienced in Harare will soon be a thing of the past, as work at Morton Jaffray Pump Ptation is now scheduled to resume, following restoration of the facility.

Continued next page

(666 VIEWS)