The MDC is of the view that his claims of reform are a foundation built on quick sand.
The reform agenda and international engagement is the only viable route to debt clearance which the budget as well fails to deal with.
It is still not clear which route the Minister is taking.
The infrastructure thrust he spoke about is easier done through access of multilateral reconstruction funds. The failure to reform, coupled with confusion around middle income status, complicates the whole process.
A lipstick commitment to alignment of laws was made but the allocation made in respect of Independent Commissions is an insult to their independence, their capacity to do their work and the ability to hire professional and competent staff.
The MDC also notes with concern the failure to confront the land question in the budget.
We are of the view that the budget should have addressed the following with the view to improve agriculture viability.
- Bringing finality to the land question. Presently people are still fighting over land invasions. We restate that there must be a land audit to ascertain ownership and productive capacity as well as issuing title to current occupants.
- Deal with security of tenure. Newly resettled farmers must be given title deeds to the land so as to ensure they have not only land use value but exchange value so that farmers may be able to borrow.
- Financing agricultural infrastructure: In order to fully empower the newly resettled farmers there is need for seasonal, capital and loans which can be provided by commercial banks as well as the Rural Development Fund.
- Agricultural markets: It is crucial that markets for agricultural produce are restored. The current situation in the tobacco industry is unfortunate and must be curbed. Marketing for cereal produce such as maize and wheat must be given a priority.
- Investment in equipment: A functional and organized farm must have access to farming mechanization for tillage, harvesting, transportation and storage as this is vital for driving agriculture.
- Harnessing water resources for agriculture: More than 80% of our arable land relies on rain-fed farming but have no access to proper irrigation facilities.
With all due respect, this budget is a continuation of the old order of economic lethargy, economic destruction, corruption and patronage. It does not even address the issue of the usurious 2c a dollar this government is fleecing from innocent Zimbabweans. The token reduction of five percent from the salaries of the well-heeled is so measly it will not make any positive impact.
This so-called budget statement lacks clarity, shies away from the national questions and must be rejected as It reflects a vampire state intending to suck from its citizens, a robber state which takes from the poor to maintain those who fly in chartered Swiss jets.
Behold the New. Change that delivers.- Jacob Mafume, MDC national spokesman
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