Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has been challenged to prioritise disability-friendly public transport and agricultural mechanisation in the 2027 National Budget, while strengthening measures to protect farmers from side marketing and cartels.
Senator Annah Shiri who represents Persons with Disabilities in Parliament said persons with disabilities continued to face challenges accessing public transport, calling for the purchase of buses that accommodate their needs.
She also supported the procurement of locally manufactured buses and trucks as part of efforts to promote domestic industry and economic development.
“As persons with disabilities we face numerous challenges in accessing public transport, so I challenge the ministry to say to it that buses should be made accessible.
“So I support the purchase of buses and trucks within Zimbabwe,” she said.
Senator Shiri was speaking during a plenary session at the ongoing 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo, where stakeholders are submitting proposals to inform Government’s spending priorities for next year.
Her submissions show the need for public investment to promote inclusive economic participation, particularly among vulnerable groups, while supporting productive sectors of the economy.
On agriculture, she called for the mechanisation programme to take into account the needs of farmers, including the provision of user-friendly equipment for the disability community.
“The mechanization program should also ensure that we have user-friendly mechanizations,” she said.
Senator Shiri also raised concerns over the impact of side marketing on tobacco farmers, saying the practice was undermining the efforts of hardworking producers.
“Again, Zimbabweans are hard workers, especially tobacco farmers.
“However, side marketing has affected and derailed the efforts of these hard workers.”
She challenged Government to outline measures to protect farmers from cartels and other practices that compromise their earnings.
In response, Agriculture Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dr Masuka said the concerns will taken into consideration.
Her concerns come as agriculture remains a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s economic recovery, supporting industrial activity, employment creation and export earnings.
Tobacco is among the country’s major agricultural export commodities, with farmers relying on an effective marketing system to earn income from their produce.
Side marketing and the activities of cartels have been cited as challenges affecting the sector, raising concerns over the protection of farmers’ investments and the sustainability of agricultural production.
Senator Shiri’s submissions added to calls for the 2027 National Budget to address the needs of vulnerable groups while ensuring that public spending supports productive sectors and promotes inclusive growth.
The Pre-Budget Seminar provides a platform for Parliamentarians and other stakeholders to make recommendations to the Ministry of Finance ahead of the presentation of the 2027 National Budget.
