Roadblocks in Zimbabwe here to stay because they are a security measure against criminals- Minister

Roadblocks in Zimbabwe are here to stay because they are a security measure against criminals, Deputy Minister Home Affairs Obedingwa  Mguni said on Wednesday dashing the temporary relief most Zimbabweans felt when his senior Ignatius Chombo said there would only be four roadblocks per province.

“What should be clear to Zimbabweans is that there is no policy on road blocks because it is something that is done as a security measure against criminals,” he said.

“We will not be in Norton from six to six waiting for criminals; you will not catch any criminals.  Therefore, we will pitch road blocks wherever they should be because we are looking for criminals. 

“However, because we see that road blocks are many in the country and disturbing the smooth movement of workers and students, it makes relations to be poor between regulators and users and as such they should be reduced. 

“That is the Government programme to provide easy ways of doing business.  As home affairs, we should be compliant to that programme so as to facilitate ease of doing business.”

Q & A:

+HON. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Madam Speaker.  My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs.  Hon. Minister, what is Government policy on the removal and restoration of road blocks on the roads?  I am asking that because you have said in the media, road blocks will be removed and there will be few on the roads.  However, what is surprising is that road blocks are still in place and they are many.  Is it a matter of time to implement what you said?  I thank you.

+THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON. MGUNI): I thank you Madam Speaker.  Your question is very pertinent Hon. Member.  What should be clear to Zimbabweans is that there is no policy on road blocks because it is something that is done as a security measure against criminals. We will not be in Norton from six to six waiting for criminals; you will not catch any criminals.  Therefore, we will pitch road blocks wherever they should be because we are looking for criminals.  However, because we see that road blocks are many in the country and disturbing the smooth movement of workers and students, it makes relations to be poor between regulators and users and as such they should be reduced.  That is the Government programme to provide easey ways of doing business.  As home affairs, we should be compliant to that programme so as to facilitate ease of doing business.  I thank you Madam Speaker.

Continued next page

(132 VIEWS)