Govt hopes for adequate harvest despite drought

Image courtesy of NewZimbabwe.com

As Zimbabwe marks 42 years of independence

The agricultural sector has had mixed fortunes due to the impact of mid-season drought and recurrent tropical cyclones in some provinces, but hopes for an adequate harvest remain high, President ED Mnangagwa has said.

“Zimbabwe at 42: Leaving no one and no place behind

Delivering his keynote address to mark Zimbabwe’s 42nd independence, President Mnangagwa said government has made adequate provisions to cater for the grain requirements of vulnerable households and communities.

“To guarantee the consistent availability of wheat, a comprehensive plan is in place for the forthcoming
winter wheat cropping season,” said Mnangagwa.

Climate change has had dire impact making mitigation and adaption key.

“In this respect, I want to commend communities in climatic regions 4 and 5 for increasing the production of traditional grains,” he said.

“Overall, the large scale adoption of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme by our people throughout the country has had far reaching positive impacts to both household and national food security.”

Government is focussing on laying a sound infrastructure base for sustainable socio-economic development and growth.

As such, infrastructure development and expansion is being speeded up across all provinces.

“The long awaited Gwayi-Shangani Dam, which was first conceptualised in 1912 and only constructed under the Second Republic, will be completed during the course of the year. The Dam will conclusively resolve the perennial water challenges of the City of Bulawayo as well as result in a vibrant agriculture sector in Matabeleland North to meet the needs of the province and vault export-led productivity, leveraging on Victoria Falls and Hwange Airports,” according to Mnangagwa.

The construction of Kunzvi Dam, which will cater for the water requirements of Harare has begun, while the long outstanding construction of Tuli-Manyange
Dam in Matabeleland South, Vungu Dam in Midlands as well as Bindura and Semwa Dams in Mashonaland Central are progressing well.

Marovanyati Dam in Manicaland Province, Muchekerwana Dam and Chivhu Dam in Mashonaland East Provinces have been completed.

Other infrastructure projects being carrIwe out include the Beitbridge-Masvingo-Harare road, which is expected to be completed by year end, while road rehabilitation works are underway on the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road. Progress on the Nkayi-Bulawayo Road; Zvishavane- Rutenga Road and the Mberengwa-West Nicholson Road is commendable, according to the President.

The Harare-Guruve-Kanyemba road, the Harare-Nyamapanda highway and the Mbudzi Interchange in Harare have also reached notable milestones.

Completion of the Chiredzi- Tanganda road as well as the Chivi-Mandamabwe Road has resulted in increased efficiency on those routes. The upgrading and modernisation of the R.G. Mugabe and J.M. Nkomo International Airports are on course, while the upgrade of the Buffalo Range Airport is complete.

“The provision of reliable and affordable energy and power is pivotal to performance across all sectors. The Hwange Power Station Expansion Project will soon add Unit 7 by end of this year. Accommodative requirements and incentives have seen more investments in solar and the renewable energy sub-sector towards the reduction of our carbon footprint and a broader energy supply mix,” he said.

Government continues to avail the requisite support and enabling environment towards the resuscitation and growth of industry and commerce.

Capacity utilisation in the manufacturing sector has increased beyond 65%, resulting in locally produced basic consumer goods constituting about 70% of the market. The development of rural industrialisation is being prioritised, leveraging on the various unique resources within our communities.

Meanwhile, total exports are projected to grow by 10% this year, following the penetration of the export market by more businesses, including those at the grassroots level.

With regards to Tourism and Hospitality, the increased number of airlines from 3 at the onset of the Second Republic to the current 17 is a testimony of the growth trajectory of the sector as well as the undeniable success of our Engagement and Re- Engagements efforts.

“The increased tourism investments of over US$142 million in 2021 and the anticipated rebound of the sector this year, will have positive spill offs to other sub-sectors of the economy including the arts, culture and creative industries. However, tourism players are encouraged to make our tourism products affordable for locals under the ZimBhoo Tourism Promotion Campaign,” said Mnangagwa.

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