Mugabe full speech at the official opening of Parliament

Madame President, Mr. Speaker, Sir,

The realization of Zimbabwe’s immense potential to become a regional transport hub is steadily turning into a reality. The rehabilitation and dualisation of the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu Highway, is expected to commence soon.  Parliament will hopefully expedite the necessary loan approvals and ratification processes for this supremely important national project to come to fruition. This Parliament will also consider a Bill on the proposed re-organisation of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. This will facilitate establishment of joint ventures in the development of airports infrastructure in the country.

Madame President, Mr. Speaker, Sir,

The provision of amenities infrastructure should always be underpinned by sound planning. This Parliament will, therefore, receive for its consideration, the Regional Town and Country Planning Bill, which, among other provisions, will require that only qualified practitioners approve buildings and settlement plans. Enactment of the legislation will lead to a reduction in timeframes for the processing of planning applications. Environmental protection, as well as the provision of work space for small and medium enterprises, will become mandatory for all new settlements.

Madame President, Mr. Speaker, Sir,

The reform of the state enterprises remains a critical lever in the country’s economic turnaround process. I note, with satisfaction, that ARDA is now on a firm recovery path, thanks to its joint venture partnership with some local private sector players.

Government recently approved a turnaround plan for the Cold Storage Company, as part of the programme to revive the country’s beef industry. The Public Entities Corporate Governance Bill which will foster adherence to good corporate governance by public sector entities, regulate remuneration packages for Boards and senior members, as well as enhance transparency in the financial affairs of public entities, will be tabled in this august House during this Session. This Parliament will also be expected to consider the Public Sector Procurement Amendment Bill, which seeks to improve efficiency in the public procurement system through the decentralization of the procurement function to Ministries, State enterprises, parastatals, and local authorities.

Madame President, Mr. Speaker, Sir,

Parliament will also consider the updated and harmonised Occupational Safety and Health Bill, which establishes a tripartite Occupational Safety Council. A new Labour Amendment Bill, which seeks to harmonize the country’s labour laws with the Constitution and relevant international conventions, will also be tabled in this august House.

Greater protection will be accorded to our young citizens through amendments to the Children’s Act. The Public Health Bill, which seeks to repeal the current Public Health Act, which was enacted in 1924, will be tabled before this Parliament. Additionally, the Medical Aid Societies Bill which provides for the establishment of a regulatory authority to govern Medical Aid Societies in Zimbabwe will be brought for consideration by this Parliament.

Continued next page

(681 VIEWS)