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ADDRESS
BY
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT
OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE,
COMRADE ROBERT GABRIEL MUGABE,
ON THE OCCASION OF THE
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE
SECOND SESSION OF THE
SEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE,
PARLIAMENT, 6TH OCTOBER, 2009.
Madame President of the Senate
Mr Speaker, Sir
Members of Parliament
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Comrades and Friends.
I welcome you all to this Second Session of the Seventh
Parliament of Zimbabwe.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir
This Second Session is quite historic, in that it is the first Parliamentary Session following the formation of the Inclusive Government which ushered in a new era of mutual collaboration and togetherness in our endeavour to become a united, democratic and developed nation.
In keeping with Article VI of the Global Political Agreement,
work is in progress towards a new constitution for the country. In order to expedite work, the three principals to the Global Political Agreement recently agreed that the six negotiators, two each from ZANU (P.F.) and the two MDC formations will form the constitution-making organ’s management committee together with the members of the Select Committee of Parliament. This enhanced Committee will be responsible for formulating the policy direction of the process, while a steering committee will be the implementing arm. Thematic sub-committees which have now been established, will extensively garner the views of all our people, for consideration in the drafting of the new constitution. It is our hope that the enhanced management committee will also further enhance efficiency, capacity and inclusivity in the constitution-making process.
On a related matter, the process of establishing the four Independent Commissions provided for in our Constitution, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, is progressing well and conclusion is now imminent. A Bill to regulate matters incidental to the establishment of a Human Rights Commission will be introduced in this august House during this Session.
Madame President.
Mr Speaker, Sir
Mindful of the urgent need to restore economic stability immediately after its formation, the Inclusive Government, on 17th of March 2009, launched a home-grown economic blueprint, the Short-Term Emergency Recovery Programme (STERP). STERP is a stabilization programme which lays the basis for a more transformative medium to long-term economic programme. To this end, work has already started on the Medium-Term Plan, which is to succeed STERP, as well as the Three Year Macro-Economic Framework which will cover the period 2010 to 2012. The two programmes which are succeeding STERP are expected to usher in the transition from the economic from the economic stabilization mode to a growth and development one.
To provide Legal underpinning to the economic recovery process, the Public Finance Management Bill which seeks to enhance the management of public resources, will be brought to Parliament during this Session. The Audit Office Bill, which is designed to improve accountability in the audit process and eliminate the operational limitations inherent in the existing Audit and Exchequer Act will also be tabled before this Parliament. The Bill also provides for the establishment of an independent National Audit Office, and an Audit Office Commission, in line with international best practice. Furthermore, amendments to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act will also be tabled in this august House during this Session. The Amendments will enhance the effectiveness of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe in its core mandate of implementing monetary policy and supervising the financial sector. The Income Tax Act will also be reviewed to render it more efficient and equitable.
With regard to guaranteeing national food security, it is indeed pleasing to note that during the 2008/2009 cropping season, an estimated total of 1,3 million metric tones of maize was produced, representing a seventy per cent increase on the output of the previous season. With the summer cropping season now upon us, efforts are afoot to ensure utmost preparedness in terms of inputs and tillage service provision. In this regard, Government, in partnership with the African Investment Group and the ASP Marketing, has put in place a US$210 million facility for the supply of inputs for the 2009/2010 agricultural season. The inputs stacked at GMB depots throughout the country will be accessed through commercial banks, using a voucher system. Given the high incidence of drought in our region, Government will continue to accord close attention to agricultural mechanization and irrigation development.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir
The mining industry has been grappling with the challenges of constraints in the supply of equipment which has become obsolete at most mines. However, following the positive steps taken by Government and the firming of minerals prices on the international market, the situation is steadily improving. Increased gold deliveries to Fidelity Printers and Refiners and the re-opening of several mines confirm this observation. Special grants for the exploration and mining of coal are currently being processed, a move which should boost power generation. The diamond industry has continued to court the attention of investors. So far, two serious investors have been selected. The engagement of the investors will help bring progress to Chiyadzwa, where measures, to ensure the orderly relocation of the local families to pave way for full-scale commercial mining, are already underway.
The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill which should be finalized during this Session will seek to strengthen the relationship between Government and the mining houses. The proposed amendments seek to broaden the ownership rights in the mining sector in line with the Indigenization and Economic Empowerment policy, promote Foreign Direct Investment, enforce the ‘use it or lose it’ principle so as to decisively deal with speculative holding of claims, and to reform the Exclusive Prospecting Order (EPO) system in order to facilitate exploration for new mineral deposits.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir
The manufacturing sector has been in the doldrums in recent years, owing to factors such as the shortage of capital, the erratic supply of, and excessively high charges for critical, utility enables such as water, electricity, fuel and transport services. Government is in the process of re-aligning public utility and service charges to regional levels, so as to enhance the competitiveness of the local industry. The shortage of capital should, to some extent, be alleviated by the credit lines pledged by various development partners. In addition, Government is reviewing the Industrial Development Policy framework so as to facilitate the promotion of value addition and productivity in the sector. The National Incomes and Pricing Commission will be amended to re-focus the Commission’s mandate from price control to monitoring of price trends.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir
As part of efforts to address the shortage of power, Government is pursuing the rehabilitation of the Hwange Power Station and resuscitation of the small thermal power stations. This programme is envisaged to yield an additional 710 megawatts to the national grid within a few months’ time. Efforts to engage potential investors for the development of new power generation projects will continue in earnest. Such projects include the Expansion of Kariba Power Station, Gokwe North Thermal Power Station, Coal-bed Methane Power Project and the Batoka Hydro Power Station. An Energy Regulatory Bill to consolidate and harmonize the various Energy Acts will be tabled during this Session. In the petroleum subsector, projects on ethanol blending and jatropha biodiesel production will be expanded.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir
This year we witnessed an upsurge in road traffic accidents, resulting in the loss of many lives. The task of addressing this challenge requires the collaboration of all stakeholders. On its part, Government will introduce measures to regulate the conduct of motorists. These will include the phased ban on both the importation of second-hand vehicles and the use of re-treaded tyres on public service vehicles, haulage trucks or any vehicles for hire. The recent introduction of toll fees on our trunk roads should go a long way in sourcing funds for road construction and maintenance.
The transport sector has been adversely affected by rampant theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure. Accordingly, the Railways Act will be amended during this Session in order to provide for more deterrent penalties for the theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure. The Bill will also provide for the establishment of a Railway Authority, which will be responsible for the regulation and licensing of service providers and operators in the railway industry.
Madame President.
Mr Speaker,
As a country, we have long embraced the role of information communication technology as a source of national economic growth. Of essence now is the need to lay the groundwork for the implementation of innovative strategies to unlock the untapped potential of the ICT sector. To buttress this process, a National Information Communication Technology Bill will be brought before Parliament during this Session. Work is also underway to establish capacity for e-Government and e-learning in the country. Information centres where members of society can access ICT services will be established throughout the country.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir,
Tourism is one of the strategic sectors of our economy laden with the potential to deliver quick wins for the economic recovery programme. Its contribution to economic recovery should be greatly boosted by South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Tournament. Concerted efforts involving both the public and private sectors are being taken to ensure that the country is well-positioned to attract a significant portion of the international visitors expected for the tournament. The Confederation of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) 2009 Tournament we are set to host this October should thus serve as a barometer of our state of preparedness for the World Cup Soccer Showcase. With the assistance from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, Government will soon put in place a comprehensive framework for coordinated and sustainable tourism development at both the national and community level.
The Small to Medium Enterprises Sector has proved to be the most versatile and resilient of our economy. However, to improve the sector’s operating environment, a Small to Medium Enterprises Bill will be tabled in this august House during this session. Fourteen common facility centres will also be established in all the provinces, to provide access by SMEs to state-of-the-art carpentry and metal fabrication machinery. Furthermore, the operations of the National Handicraft Centre will be revived with a view to boosting the benefits accruing to the art and craft businesses from the 2010 World Cup Tournament.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir
Reliance on middlemen in the procurement of water treatment chemicals has been a major cost-driver in the provision of water. To obviate this challenge, Government will centralize the procurement of water treatment chemicals. Furthermore, programmes to develop and boost availability of the country’s water resources through the rehabilitation and upgrading of urban and rural water supply systems will continue. A Statutory Instrument will be put in place to render it mandatory for borehole drillers to register and operate on the basis of permits so as to ensure compliance with minimum standards.
While the country has made some significant strides in manpower development, this has, in recent times, been dented by the massive exodus of skilled manpower. To reverse this trend, Government has embarked on a programme for the mobilization, repatriation and retention of skilled manpower critical for sustainable economic recovery. In addition, Public-Private Partnerships involving local and regional players, are being finalized for the construction of critical infrastructure at some of the State Universities. Amendments to the Education Act to address the method of payment of fees and levies, as well as the role of parents and School Development Committees, will be tabled for consideration by Parliament during this Session. In addition, the Zimbabwe Qualifications Authority Bill, which will provide the framework for the rationalization of all existing tertiary qualifications in the country, and the creation of the Qualifications Authority to oversee the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) and Higher Education Examination Council (HEXCO) will also be brought to this august House.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir,
It is all too clear that parastatals and public enterprises have for long been albatross around the country’s economy. Their poor performance and over-reliance on fiscus support tend to impose a drag on the pace of the economy’s recovery process. As part of the objectives of STERP, Government will implement a programme for the restructuring, commercialization and possible privatization of some state enterprises and parastatals. In addition, work pertaining to the improvement of the governance framework of all parastatals, currently in progress, will be continued in earnest.
The capacity of the public sector to deliver services efficiently and effectively is critical to the overall economic turnaround thrust. This has become more urgent, given the current circumstances of limited resources and an increasingly competitive regional and international economic environment. As part of efforts to re-orient the public service towards attainment of results, starting next year, Heads of Ministries will be required to sign Performance Agreements for their budgetary resources. Government is also currently carrying out a payroll and skills audit in order to engender efficiency in resource utilization in the Civil Service. Implementation of the integrated performance management system adopted under the Results-Based Management System in 2005 will be stepped up.
Government is deeply concerned over the current situation where public servants have to eke out a living from meager remuneration. The preferred situation is one where the salaries and allowances of public servants are benchmarked against the poverty datum line. This will be undertaken as soon as the resources become available. I, therefore, appeal to public servants to remain patient as the necessary arrangements are being put in place.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir,
To reinvigorate the implementation of housing and social amenities projects, steps will be taken to engage local authorities with regard to land requirements for housing and social amenities development. The intention is for Government to acquire identified peri-urban land and facilitate servicing thereof, in order for such land to be availed to land developers, housing co-operatives and other associated stakeholders.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir,
The youth as the custodians of our future must be accorded a more active role in the country’s socio-economic endeavours and be equipped with the necessary skills. To achieve this goal it is proposed that the vocational skills training policy and the relevant curricula be reviewed. The review will also entail the expansion of skills training through the Integrated Skills Outreach Programme (ISOP).
Furthermore, the National Youth Service Programme is being reviewed to enhance youth participation in peace building and national development. A Bill to regulate the structure, management and operation of the programme will be tabled during this Session.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir,
Serious efforts are required in dealing with the current upsurge in cases of veld fires, that are causing an avoidable loss of human lives, and destruction of property, flora and fauna. The political and traditional leadership of our society must take a lead in stemming this reckless destruction of our heritage. A Statutory Instrument to strengthen the enforcement of the Forestry Act will be put in place. In an endeavour to broaden our interface with our partners at a multilateral level, the following agreements will be tabled for consideration during this Session: SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement; SADC Protocol on Fisheries; Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal; Stockholm Convention of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs); Rottendam Convention on Prior Informed Consent; and the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands. A Food Control Bill, which provides for the establishment of a Food Control Authority, will also be brought before Parliament during this Session.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir,
Zimbabwe is a signatory to the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, adopted by SADC Heads of State and Government on 17th August, 2008. The Protocol seeks to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of women and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. The Protocol will be tabled for ratification by this august House during this Session.
In the area of defence and security, Zimbabwe ratified the Bacteriological Weapons Convention in 1990. To date the Convention is yet to be incorporated into our domestic law. The main object of the Convention is to prohibit the production and stockpiling of biological agents and toxins used as weapons, which is a step towards the elimination or reduction of weapons of mass destruction. The provisions of the Convention are consistent with the Geneva Convention of 1949, which Zimbabwe has acceded to and incorporated into her domestic law. The Bacteriological Weapons Convention will therefore be incorporated into national legislation during this Session.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir,
It will be recalled that the country successfully hosted the 13th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government in June this year whereupon Zimbabwe assumed the chairmanship, Zimbabwe will spearhead the implementation of the following strategic areas for COMESA: deepening regional integration through policy harmonization; promoting trade through infrastructural development; strengthening multilateral negotiation mechanisms; creating investment opportunities in the region; and promoting peace, security, democracy and good governance.
On the diplomatic front, we will through SADC, COMESA/SADC/EAC tripartite arrangement, seek to broaden co-operation and integration of the three Regional Economic Communities. We will also continue to engage our international partners on a bilateral level through Joint commissions of Co-operation and other treaties, in order to drum up support for our economic recovery programme. Following the launch of the Zimbabwe-European Union dialogue in Brussels, early this year, our re-engagement with the European bloc is gathering momentum. However, as our Inclusive Government re-engages the Western countries we expect those countries that have imposed the illegal sanctions which have hurt and continue to hurt our economy and the generality of our people, to remove them. Our country remains in a positive stance to enter into fresh, friendly and co-operative relations with all those countries that have been hostile to us in the past.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir,
May we be reminded that, as Zimbabweans, our destiny is in our hands. It is our sovereign right to preside over our socio-economic development with, of course, the support of genuine and well-meaning partners. If the realization of the fruits of our economic turnaround effort may seem to take longer than expected, it is because the parameters for it have been more demanding in both form and content than expected. Let us continue to work hard, purposefully and united in all our socio-economic sectors. Together let us build the bridges of amity, forgiveness, trust and togetherness. Let us be the Zimbabwe united in body, mind and spirit. Only that way can we really succeed.
Madame President,
Mr Speaker, Sir,
Allow me now to commend these matters for your consideration and declare this, the Second Session of the Seventh Parliament of the Republic of Zimbabwe, duly open.
I thank you.
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