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Cabinet received an update on the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and a report on the procurement and rollout of vaccines, as presented by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon Professor Amon Murwira, as the Acting Minister of Health and Child Care.
The nation is being informed that since the outbreak of the pandemic, the country’s cumulative Covid-19 cases stood at 258 643 as at November 13, 2022, with 252 567 recoveries and 5 610 deaths. The recovery rate was 98 percent, with 465 active cases recorded. A total of 295 new cases were recorded during the week, compared to 179 the previous week. Twenty-six new hospital admissions were recorded during the reporting period compared to the 13 reported the previous week. The slight increase indicates that the country needs to remain vigilant.
Regarding the National Vaccination Programme, Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that, as at November 13, 2022, a total of 6 560 712 first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine had been administered, while 4 929 331 people had received their second dose, and 1 215 375 their third dose.
Provinces continue to prioritise Covid-19 vaccinations in all schools, with a focus on the 503 secondary schools which have not yet reached the 2nd dose coverage target of 70 percent. The provinces were also preparing for the second round of poliomyelitis vaccination campaign which is scheduled for early December 2022.
The nation is advised that the country’s Covid-19 pandemic response remains on track. However, in view of the small increase in new cases, Cabinet has resolved as follows:
That all provinces include the Covid-19 vaccination activities in the second round of poliomyelitis vaccination campaign scheduled for December 2022; and
That provinces continue strengthening community engagement on all Covid-19 Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM) in order to address the “Covid-19 fatigue” being observed in most communities.
REPORT ON THE NATIONAL GRAINS STATUS, WHEAT HARVESTING AND DELIVERIES
Cabinet received and considered the weekly Report on the National Grains Status, wheat harvesting and deliveries, as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.
Cabinet advises that the grain stocks at GMB as at November 14, 2022 stood at 566 841 tonnes comprising 487 274 tonnes of maize and 79 567 tonnes of traditional grains. Using the monthly consumption rate of 49 294 tonnes, the available grain will last for 11.5 months.
Government is pleased that increased traditional grains intake by Masvingo and Matabeleland North GMB depots bear testimony to the ongoing success of climate-proofing efforts encompassing targeted distribution of seed varieties according to agro-ecological zones in order to ensure food security.
Wheat stocks stand at 154 000 tonnes, and this will provide 7,3 months’ cover at a consumption rate of 21 000 tonnes per month. The cumulative harvested area of the 2022 winter wheat crop stands at 54 716 hectares, translating to 68 percent of the planted area. The total production stands at 119 885 tonnes of wheat, with damage to the crop caused by the rains recently received across the country still being assessed. The volume of wheat delivered to contractors stands at 46 726.53 tonnes.
Meanwhile, cumulative grain (maize, wheat, soyabeans and traditional grains) sales since April 2022 stand at about ZW$24.5 billion, comprising 222 558 tonnes output. The private sector has purchased 145 489 tonnes of maize of the 345 000 mt purchased. This is in line with the Government policy that contractors should directly finance the production of at least 40 percent of their grain requirements as per the value-chain financing policy. Social welfare distribution allocation now stands at 24 295 tonnes per month for the period October to December 2022, and will increase during the lean period of January to March, 2023. In general, the grain situation shows that the country is food secure.
UPDATE ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2022/2023 SUMMER PRODUCTION SEASON
Cabinet considered and adopted an update on preparations for the 2022/2023 summer production season, as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Dr AJ Masuka.
Cabinet notes that most areas across the country have received rainfall expected at this time of the year, that is, the country is experiencing an early rain season. All agro-ecological zones are therefore increasingly expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall during the period November to December 2022 and January 2023.
Government advises that inputs are being distributed to match agro-ecological zones’ requirements. Inputs distribution, registration, mobilisation and training of farmers are in progress. Planting has commenced in some areas, and concerns over the prices of inputs, especially fertiliser, are being looked into. The objective for the 2022/2023 Summer Production Season remains to achieve food, stockfeed and oilseed self-sufficiency from a total of 3 950 283 hectares output, which are expected to yield a total of 4 928 260 tonnes for all crops. In terms of financing, the major sources of funds for the production of the major crops are the climate proofed Presidential Inputs Support (Pfumvudza/Intwasa) Programme, the National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA), the private sector, and self-financing. NEAPS comprising CBZ Agro Yield and AFC Holdings makes up about 23 percent of the financing, and it is therefore critical that the programme is adequately capitalized. The AFC Scheme is targeting a total out of 357 000 tonnes of maize, soyabeans, sunflower and traditional grains from 65 000 hectares.
Meanwhile, the Grain Marketing Board is receiving and distributing Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs to farmers, and is targeting to have completed distribution by November 30, 2022. To date, 54 percent of the maize has been received by GMB depots of which 68 percent has been distributed to beneficiaries, while 47 percent of the received traditional grains have been distributed. Seventy nine percent of the basal and top-dressing fertilisers received have been distributed. Adequate transport for movement of all inputs to wards has been mobilised. A total of 4 610 636 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots have been prepared. This is a significant increase from last season’s 2 304 417 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots, while 2 707 064 farmers have been trained, compared to 2 071 627 during the previous season. Fifteen thousand three hundred and twenty nine Farmers’ Field Schools have been established. Incidents of corruption and violence at input distribution points are under investigation. The composition of distribution committees has been expanded and security enhanced at the centres to curtail such practices and the public is urged to quickly report any incidents they may come across to authorities in their area.
For the 2022/2023 season, Cabinet wishes to highlight that the total area planted under cereals stands at 13 907 hectares for maize, 270 hectares for sorghum and 147 hectares for pearl millet. Distribution of cotton inputs is underway, with 540 000 households targeted for support under the Cotton Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme. The area planted under tobacco has marginally increased to 29 805 hectares, compared to 28 648 hectares during the similar period of the 2021/2022 season. The target for the season is 236 m/kilograms up from 212 m/kilograms last year. ARDA has planted 12 539 hectares out of the targeted 50 000 hectares.
Regarding livestock, the nation is informed that a total of 261 435 chickens and 3 332 goats have been distributed under the Presidential Rural Poultry and Goat schemes, respectively. In terms of water supply, a total of 368 boreholes have been drilled under the Borehole Drilling Programme across the country.
REPORTS ON THE 3RD 100-DAY CYCLE PRIORITY PROJECTS
Cabinet received reports on progress made in the implementation of priority projects for the 3rd 100-Day Cycle of 2022, as presented by the Ministers of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Local Government and Public Works; and Transport and Infrastructural Development.
4.1 The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon. Professor Amon Murwira reported on the six projects being implemented by his Ministry. He highlighted the progress as follows:
The renovation of the identified Binga Training Centre in Matabeleland North Province was completed and 60 students have been recruited. The development of the new Binga Industrial Training College site has commenced;
The construction of the Midlands State University Law School complex in Kwekwe has reached 90 percent completion.;
The Gwanda State University Mining Innovation and Laboratories Complex has reached 90 percent completion;
Block B of the proposed three-wing student service centre at the National University of Science and Technology has been completed;
The refurbishment of the factory shell to house the national number plate programme at the University of Zimbabwe has reached 90 percent completion, with the number plates production plant having been installed. The plant has capacity to produce 7 million e-number plates annually; and
The establishment of the baobab juice plant at Mutare Teachers College has reached 85 percent of completion, with the superstructure having been completed and the production plant installed.
4.2 The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Hon Kazembe Kazembe, outlined the following progress for projects being implemented in his sector:
The construction of an administration block and five staff houses at the Zimbabwe Republic Police Dotito Camp in Mt. Darwin is about 86 percent complete;
The solar electrification of Mlambapele Border Post and staff accommodation in Matabeleland South Province was completed;
The re-development of the Harare Kopje National Monument in Harare Metropolitan Province is underway, with the perimeter map having been produced and the concept note for the designing of the eternal flame completed;
The decentralisation of e-passport services to Zvishavane, Chinhoyi, and Marondera is underway; and
The digitising of chieftainship delineation Reports for the Mhondoro-Ngezi and Sanyati Districts at the Kadoma District Development Coordinator’s Office is also underway.
4.3 The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. July Moyo, presented a compendium of projects being implemented in his sector, in the following areas: Construction of Composite Buildings; Spatial Planning; Maintenance of Public Buildings; Construction of Disaster Recovery Houses; and Devolution. He highlighted progress on some of the projects as follows:
The Siakobvu Local Development Plan has reached 80 percent completion;
Pertaining to maintenance of public buildings, the Karoi District Development Coordinator’s Complex is at 15 percent of completion;
The construction of 10 houses under the Chimanimani Disaster Recovery Houses has reached 80 percent of completion; and
Under devolution projects, the rehabilitation of Mapunya Primary School in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province has reached 80 percent of completion.
Installation of street lights at Mt Darwin Centre, Mashonaland Central Province has been completed. The Marewo piped water scheme, in Mutare District, Manicaland Province is at 80 percent completion.
4.4 The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Felix Mhona reported on the five projects that are being implemented under the purview of his Ministry as follows:
(i) Finishes to the North Wing of the Terminal Building at the Robert
Gabriel Mugabe International Airport have reached various stages, with the installation of the Curtain Wall and Plastering already completed;
(ii) Construction of the terminal building, parking areas, access roads,
gate house and management building under Phase 3 of the
Beitbridge Border Post Upgrading and Modernisation was completed.
The Project was officially opened by His Excellency the President in
August 2022;
(iii) The proposed construction of eight (8) kilometres of the Harare-Kanyemba Road has been completed;
(iv) The construction of five (5) kilometres of road on the Rutenga- Zvishavane Road has been completed; and
(v) Seventeen (17) kilometres of the targeted 40 kilometres upgrading of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge road has been completed. To date, a total of 361 km of road has been completed.
MEMORANDUM ON THE RATIFICATION OF THE AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING THE SADC PROTOCOL ON THE INTER-STATE TRANSFER OF SENTENCED OFFENDERS
Cabinet considered and approved the ratification of the SADC Protocol on the Inter-State Transfer of Sentenced Offenders which was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation. The objective of the Protocol, which was launched in Dar-es-Salam in August 2019, is to allow for the transfer of sentenced offenders to serve their sentences in their home countries, subject to certain conditions being satisfied. The sentenced offender, on the other hand, must consent to the transfer. The Protocol was signed by nine of the sixteen SADC Member States.
ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AMENDMENT BILL, 2019
Cabinet considered and approved the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Amendment Bill, 2019 which was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
The nation is being informed that the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Amendment Bill will be amended for alignment with the 2013 Constitution, and for compliance with international best practice as provided for by the Paris Principles Governing National Human Rights Institutions. The Bill will also provide for the framework for cooperation with other Constitutional Commissions, and for gender equality in the chairpersons of the Commission. The Bill places an obligation on the Commission for refusal to investigate frivolous complaints brought to its attention.
FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE AND THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A ONE HUNDRED MEGAWATT (100 MW) PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANT
Cabinet considered and approved the Framework Agreement between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Belarus on the construction of a 100 MW Photovoltaic Power Plant, as presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
The nation is being informed that Government seeks to conclude a framework with the Republic of Belarus for the construction of a 100 MW solar power generation plant in Norton. The Belarus Solar Power Plant was granted National Project Status in October 2019, and will be undertaken through ZESA Holdings.
Cabinet advises that alternative sources of energy, including and in this instance, solar power, will complement the existing hydro and thermal power production systems, thereby increasing access to electricity in Zimbabwe and accelerating growth of the economy.
REPORT ON THE AFRICAN INVESTMENT FORUM: ABIDJAN, COTE D’IVORE: 2ND TO 3RD NOVEMBER, 2022
Cabinet received and adopted the Report on the African Investment Forum which was held in Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivore, from 2nd to 3rd November, 2022, as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr Frederick Makamure Shava.
The Forum was held under the theme “Building Economic Resilience Through Sustainable Investment”, and brought together project promoters, potential investors, deal brokers, legal advisors and other professionals to assist participating countries in sealing investment deals during the Forum market days. Cabinet highlights that, for the first time since inception of the Forum in 2018, Zimbabwe had three projects proposals selected by the African Development Bank (AfDB) for consideration by potential investors.
His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa attended the Forum, which was also attended by the Presidents of Ghana and Ethiopia, the Prime Ministers of Tanzania and the Cape Verde, and the Vice President of Liberia. His Excellency the President highlighted to the Forum the following factors in favour of Zimbabwe as an investment destination:
- that despite two decades of sanctions, Zimbabwe is on a positive growth trajectory,
- that the country is politically stable, with one of the highest literacy rates in Africa; and
- that the country is strategically positioned in the region, with a good road infrastructure network to facilitate regional and continental trade.
Cabinet wishes to advise that the three projects from Zimbabwe, namely:
- the Steel Production Plant,
- Forbes Border Post Modernization, and
- Sherwood Dairy Farms,
were presented to investors for consideration during investment boardroom sessions. The Steel Production Plant, which is valued at US$105.4 million, involves the construction of an integrated steel plant to produce 300 000 tonnes of merchant mill-rolled products per annum and 43 megawatts of power. The project will create 2 000 direct jobs and 5 000 indirect jobs from ancillary industries. The Forbes Border Post Modernization project, valued at US$90 million, is expected to increase regional and intra-African trade as well as increase revenue collection. The Sherwood Dairy Farms project, valued at US$70 million, will increase milk production under a model that can be replicated across the country. All the three projects generated a lot of interest among investors and negotiations are ongoing to finalise the relevant deals, with the African Development Bank having made a firm commitment to provide the US$45 million funding gap for the Steel Production Plant. The Bank also re-affirmed its commitment to champion Zimbabwe’s Debt Clearance Strategy, which is critical in unlocking fresh funding from international financial institutions.
REPORT ON THE 27TH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF PARTIES TO THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Cabinet adopted the Report on the 27th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was held in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt, from 7th to 8th November 2022, as reported by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr F.M. Shava.
The public is informed that His Excellency the President led the Zimbabwean delegation to the Conference, which was attended by over 100 leaders representing the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Representatives of civil society organisations, farmers, indigenous people, the youth, scientific organisations, academia, and the private sector also participated. Leaders of countries delivered national statements and participated in six Leaders Dialogue forums which focused on just transition, food security, water security, energy, climate finance and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable countries.
Cabinet wishes to highlight that His Excellency the President engaged other world leaders and heads of international organisations as part of advancing Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement drive. In particular, as has been extensively reported in the media, the President witnessed the signing of an addendum to the Agreement signed between ZESA Holdings and Skypower Global for the construction of a 500 megawatt solar power station. Skypower Global is a UAE-based company of international repute in solar energy projects. It is one of the largest and most successful independent power producers that develops, finances, builds, owns, and operates large solar stations across the globe.
Online Reporter