Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
THE Second Republic has been commended for giving priority to local companies to undertake Government programmes including infrastructure development projects, a stance that will ensure economic growth.
The business sector has said several opportunities are being availed to it under the Second Republic thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.
Local companies have been engaged in the expansion of the Harare Beitbridge highway, the rehabilitation of Kudzanayi Long Distance Bus terminus, among other projects being undertaken across the country.
Last week, President Mnangagwa said local companies exhibiting honesty, professionalism, skills and talent will continue to be given priority for Government programmes and capital spending in line with the policies to use domestic resources and expertise to develop the country.
He was speaking during the memorial service of the late national hero Dr Joel Biggie Matiza at his home in Harare.
The President said the late Dr Matiza was a firm believer in the “none but ourselves” model of development, a key tenet of the Second Republic.
The national hero was an advocate of the professional competencies and abilities of Zimbabweans when it came to undertaking complex national projects, benchmarked with world class standards.
The late Dr Matiza was Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister when he died on January 22 from
Covid-19 complications and was buried at the National Heroes’ Acre.
“To our local companies, I assure you that my Government will continue to entrust you with greater responsibility in nation building, across all sectors of the economy.
“Continue with the good work that you have shown to date. As I have promised, hard honest work, professionalism, skills and talent will be rewarded by my administration,” said President Mnangagwa.
Commenting on this, Business Economic Empowerment Forum (BEEF) president Dr Solomon Matsa said they are very thankful and delighted with the New Dispensation’s commitment to give wealth to the people.
Dr Matsa said Ministries and Government departments should follow suit on what President Mnangagwa has demonstrated.
“We commend the decision by the Second Republic to give us tenders, opportunities to assist in the development of the country. We also hope the finance departments will also pay service providers on time so that work doesn’t stop since this also compromises the quality of work and delivery of projects,” said Dr Matsa.
He said business should also show respect and confidence in the new leadership which is putting the people of Zimbabwe first.
“This leadership under President Mnangagwa is flexible and if we all become flexible like them our country will be an envy of many nations soon since we now own our land and we are free to do many things on it,” said Dr Matsa.
He said business is thrilled that President Mnangagwa and his Government are now taking Africans in particular closer to the developmental agenda.
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) president Dr Tinashe Manzungu said they have been lobbying for inclusion of local companies in manufacturing, infrastructure development and other sectors of the country.
“A local company will invest in the country; local companies belong to the country and will definitely plough back to the communities through infrastructure development. So, we commend the Second Republic,” said Dr Manzungu.
Online Reporter