dyton mupawaenda
Cabinet received an update on the Summer Crops Marketing and the Winter Wheat Planting, which was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable AJ Masuka.
Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that current grain stocks held by the Grain Marketing Board comprise 220 000 metric tonnes of maize, 40 000 tonnes of traditional grains, and 160 000 tonnes of wheat. Millers and stock feed manufacturers are being allocated 27 000 tonnes of maize and up to 7 000 metric of sorghum per month. All these stocks exclude private sector stocks, and the nation is food secure until the next harvest.
The nation is being informed that the Second Republic has liberalised the marketing of grain and allowed CBZ Bank, AFC Bank as well as private financiers to purchase directly from farmers the grain which they contracted to those farmers. The Grain Marketing Board is purchasing grain from farmers who received Government support, and from those who financed their own farming operations. Farmers are being assured that payments for grain deliveries will be processed as soon as possible in order to facilitate preparations for their next operations.
With regard to wheat, the nation is being informed that the 2022 Winter Season yielded a record 375 131 tonnes from the total of 80 883 hectares planted under various financing models. Efforts are underway to increase the total hectarage to 85 000 and achieve a new record of 408 000 tonnes from the 2023 winter wheat cropping programme. Following a good 2022/2023 summer rainfall season, irrigation water is abundant, while farmers are being assured of dedicated power supplies for their operations. The 4 257 hectares planted to wheat so far exceeds the 2 153 hectares planted by 8 May 2022, reflecting a 98 percent increase.
As for tobacco, the nation is being informed that so far this year, over 160 million kilogrammes has been sold at an average price of US$3/kg, exceeding the 114 million kg sold in 2022 at an average price of US$2.99/kg. Decentralised selling points set up by the Second Republic closer to previously disadvantaged farming communities have so far contributed 40 percent of total tobacco sales. More than 40 countries, among them China, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Belgium, Egypt and Indonesia are importing tobacco from Zimbabwe, and the significant foreign currency inflows are facilitating development programmes and uplifting livelihoods.
Cabinet also wishes to inform the nation that during the current marketing season, Government has adopted a grade-based pricing system payable at 85 percent in US dollars and 15 percent in the local currency.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority has set up 861 sales points for the 2023 cotton marketing season, where over 150 million kg is expected to be purchased by 5 contractors. The bulk of the crop, 85 percent, is being purchased by Cottco under the Government input support scheme.
ZIMBABWE’S RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Cabinet received an update on Zimbabwe’s Response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a report on the roll-out of vaccines, which was presented by the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Gen (Rtd) Dr CGDN Chiwenga.
Cabinet is informing the nation that as of 6th May 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases had reached 264 766, with 258 944 recoveries and 5 688 deaths. The recovery rate was 98 percent, with 134 active cases recorded. Three deaths were recorded during the week, compared to the zero deaths for the previous week.
The country recorded a more than 20 percent increase in new cases over the past two weeks, from 55 to 82 cases. However, the pandemic is still under control.
As of 6 May 2023, the cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered had reached 7 209 561 for the first dose, 5 387 507 for the second dose, and 2 004 408 for the third dose.
As the nation may recall, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released a statement indicating that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Cabinet has directed as follows:
That vaccination activities in all provinces should continue, with support from the Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and their teams;
That the mandatory wearing of face masks be lifted as the country adopts the strategy on the long-term management of the COVID-19 pandemic;
That all border measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 be lifted with immediate effect; and
That tourists should no longer be required to produce COVID-19 vaccination certificates at ports of entry or at tourist resorts around the country.
UPDATE ON THE CHOLERA OUTBREAK RESPONSE
Cabinet received an update on the cholera outbreak response, which was presented by the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Gen. (Rtd) Dr CGDN Chiwenga.
Cabinet is informing the nation that a cumulative 86 486 suspected cholera cases have been reported on the African continent, with 1 213 deaths reflecting a Case Fatality Rate of 1.4 percent. Zimbabwe has so far recorded 722 cases, with 669 recoveries and 5 deaths, reflecting a Case Fatality Rate of 0.69 percent. Only Matabeleland North Province remains unaffected by the cholera outbreak. The highest numbers of cholera cases have been reported in Manicaland Province at 214 cases, and in Matabeleland South Province at 203 cases. Cholera confirmed deaths have been recorded in Manicaland (2), Mashonaland Central (1), Mashonaland West (1) and Masvingo (1).
Cabinet wishes to assure the nation that the cholera risk assessment which should guide the application of the Oral Cholera Vaccination has been completed across all the 10 provinces. Active surveillance of points of entry and exit is continuing as part of a multi-sectoral approach in response to the cholera outbreak. Government is availing funds in order to bolster the country’s response.
UPDATE ON THE PRICE HIKES OF ESSENTIAL GOODS AND SERVICES
Cabinet discussed at length the price and basic food supply situation following a brief on the matter by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon Dr Sekai Irene Nzenza.
The nation is being informed that Cabinet is concerned by the spiralling prices of the 14 basic goods especially bread, flour, cooking oil and mealie-meal. The Minister of Industry and Commerce is already engaging the concerned stakeholders including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and other associations on the matter. Given the urgency of the matter, Cabinet has set up a Committee to quickly investigate, monitor and make appropriate recommendations to Cabinet with a view to bringing sanity to the situation. The Committee will comprise the following Ministers: Industry and Commerce; Finance and Economic Development; and Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services. Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry and Commerce will issue an appropriate statement on the matter.
Cabinet wishes to assure the nation that corrective measures will be taken in order to protect the transacting public.
REPORTS ON THE 1ST 100-DAY CYCLE OF 2023
Cabinet received reports on progress made as at Day 50 in the implementation of priority projects for the 1st 100-Day Cycle of 2023, as presented by the following Ministers: the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; the Minister of Local Government and Public Works; and the Minister of Health and Child Care.
1. The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, reported that the following progress has been recorded on projects under his purview.
The first three such projects are intended to fulfil the intention of the Second Republic to bring justice closer to the people, across all provinces and in all districts. In this regard:
(i) the construction of the new Epworth Magistrates Court was completed, and the building was commissioned;
(ii) works on the super-structures of the Gwanda New Court Complex in Matabeleland South Province, the Chiredzi New Magistrates Court in Masvingo Province and Mutawatawa New Magistrates Court in Mashonaland East Province are underway; and
(iii) the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) for efficient and effective justice delivery was successfully launched at the Labour Court and the Administrative Court on 1 February, 2023, while the testing of the system for the High Court and the Sheriff of the High Court is underway.
The policy on the rehabilitation of offenders is being implemented in tandem with ensuring that Prisons and Correctional Service institutions contribute to food security by utilising the land at their disposal. In this regard:
(iv) the harvesting of 30 hectares of the maize crop at the Mutimurefu Prison farm in Masvingo Province is underway and expected to yield 150 tonnes; and
(v) the harvesting of 80 hectares of the maize crop which was planted at the Hurungwe Prison farm in Mashonaland West Province is expected to yield 400 tonnes.
In order to prepare prisoners for smooth reintegration into society, the nation is being informed that:
(vi) 240 out of the targeted 800 inmates were successfully trained in Peace Education at Khami Maximum Prison in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province; and
(vii) at Harare Central Prison Vocational Training Centre, 16 inmates underwent trade testing, while 13 wrote their Theory examinations.
2. The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable J.G. Moyo, reported on progress on projects being implemented by his Ministry as follows:
The construction of the Kadoma Registry Offices in Kadoma District, Mashonaland West Province, has reached 60 percent of completion;
The adopted concept plan for the creation of a new city and provision of modern amenities to complement the Dinson Carbon Steel Plant at Manhize, in Chirumanzu District, Midlands Province stands at 30 percent complete;
Under the programme to cater for people displaced by the Mbudzi Interchange construction project, the Hatcliffe Extension Layout Plan in Harare is at 40 percent completion; and
The repairing and redecorating of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Offices in Kadoma, Mashonaland West Province is at 55 percent completion;
Progress in health sector infrastructure provision projects is as follows:
Tshanyaugwe Clinic and Cottage in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province, is at 85 percent of completion and will benefit 5 559 people who currently travel 25 km to the next clinic;
Mari-mari Clinic, in Sanyati District, Mashonaland West Province, has reached 80 percent of completion and will benefit more than 20 000 newly resettled community members;
Mahwau Clinic Block in Hurungwe District, Mashonaland West Province, is 87 percent complete, and will reduce the walking distance for 12 000 community members from 12 km to 5km; the Faniya/Mloyiswa Rural Health Centre in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Province is 72 percent complete, and will benefit 2 800 people; and the Mawabeni Clinic Staff House in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South Province is 80 percent complete. The staff house will accommodate 2 families whose members currently commute to work from Esigodini, some 10 kilometres away;
In order to improve access to education across all provinces, progress in education sector projects comprises: construction of 2 Staff houses at Kanyimo Secondary School in Nyanga District, Manicaland Province is at 60 percent of completion, and will provide quality accommodation to 4 families of the teaching staff; construction of a classroom block at Mazonwe Secondary School in Mutare District, Manicaland Province stands at 65 percent completion, and will benefit 60 learners who currently use the existing farm house for classrooms; the construction of a classroom block at Chirichoga Primary School in Masvingo District, Masvingo Province to ease shortages of learning facilities is 30 percent complete. On completion, at least 100 learners will benefit; and Chimbi Primary School block in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province is 73 percent complete and is part of the rehabilitation works at the school following damage by a storm in March 2022.
In the roads sector, the Minister highlighted progress as follows:
The construction of the deck on Jamanda Bridge in Chipinge District, Manicaland Province is 65 percent complete. The bridge is along an important road that serves 15 villages as well as Chilo Gorge Lodge which is part of the Campfire project area in Chiredzi District;
The rehabilitation of the Marenga-Chimututi Road in Buhera District in Manicaland Province stands at 50percent complete. The road will serve an estimated population of 9 000 people from 34 villages. The road links Gumbie Primary School, Svuure Business Centre, Svuure Secondary School and Clinic, and will benefit 2 000 households;
the road grading and bush clearing of 10 kilometres of the Rudhanda-Svuure Road in Zaka District, Masvingo Province is 60 percent complete; and
the spot-gravelling and grading of the Mutawatawa Access Roads in Uzumba-Maramba Pfungwe District, Mashonaland East Province has commenced. The 3km road provides the link to Mutawatawa Growth Point.
In the water and sanitation sector, the Minister highlighted progress as follows:
the Mudzimu Piped Water Scheme in Hurungwe District, Mashonaland West Province is at 60 percent completion;
rehabilitation of the sewer treatment plant in Empumalanga West Township in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province has commenced; and
• the Emalangeni Water Reticulation project in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South Province has reached 90% of completion.
3. The Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, General (Rtd.) Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, reported as follows:
In order to ensure that primary health care clinics have adequate water supplies, the drilling of boreholes was completed at Neta, Gwarava, Matedzi and Mposi Clinics in Mberegwa District, Midlands Province, and at Twin Tops and Manyewe clinics in Mhondoro District, Mashonaland West Province.
The Ministry managed to install solar power at 7 Primary Health Care Clinics, namely: Bazha Mission Hospital in Matobo Distric; and Simangani, Mwembe, Songwa and Chisoma Clinics in Hwange District, all in Matabeleland North Province; Nyabondo Clinic in Mangwe and Madhlambudzi Clinic in Bulilima District, in Matabeleland South Province.
To improve access to health facilities and promote of health and well-being, the construction of the Cowdray Park Health Centre was completed, with equipment installed, while the Mataga Clinic in Mberengwa District has reached 80% completion.
The construction of an incinerator at Chivi District Hospital was completed, while that at Gokwe South District Hospital is at 90% completion, with fencing being the only outstanding work.
The installation of an oxygen reticulation system with a bulk storage tank at Chipinge District Hospital was completed and is now functional.
6.0 UPDATE ON THE REVIVAL OF ZISCO STEEL
Cabinet received an update report on the Revival of ZISCO STEEL, which was presented by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Dr. Sekai Irene Nzenza.
The nation will recall that in March 2022, Cabinet approved Kuvimba Mining House as a strategic investment partner for the ZISCO STEEL plant in Redcliff, Kwekwe. A Memorandum of Understanding was subsequently signed between Kuvimba Mining House and ZISCO STEEL on 12 August, 2022. Kuvimba Mining House has divided the ZISCO STEEL resuscitation programme into two segments, namely: the Mining Project; and the Steel Project.
Under the Mining Project, Kuvimba Mining House will initially invest US$1 million into the steelmaking plant. The process will commence with the sale of 5 million tonnes of the iron ore fines stockpiles at Buchwa Mine in Mberengwa District of Midlands Province. Kuvimba will work in partnership with the National Railways of Zimbabwe in the refurbishment of the existing Buchwa-Maputo rail line. NRZ will earn revenue from the use of the line and provision of goods train services to ZISCO. Preliminary works include feasibility and market studies, and engineering and process designs. The technical appraisal of the steelworks plant will be conducted by SMS Group, a German-based steel equipment manufacturer, while the market studies, engineering/process designs will culminate in a bankable feasibility study and business plan. Kuvimba Mining House will raise US$300 million for ZISCO STEEL through local sales of iron ore. The nation is further being informed that Strategen Company has been engaged by Kuvimba as the lead consultancy to drive the resuscitation of ZISCO STEEL.
7.0 IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVE NOTIFICATION FOR COMMUNITY BIRTHS AND DEATHS
The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable
Kazembe Kazembe briefed Cabinet on the proposed implementation of
active notification for Community Births and Deaths.
The nation is informed that statistics are the bedrock of planning, policy and decision-making, and good governance, and it is pertinent therefore, to have a reliable and up to date Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system.
The nation is being informed that, as part of improving the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, the Civil Registry Department will be introducing the active notification of births and deaths occurring in communities. This will be implemented through the capacitation of traditional leaders who will capture community births and deaths on specially designed notification forms. These notification forms will serve the same purpose as birth confirmation records issued at health facilities. The data submitted by traditional leaders will be captured at district level.
The programme will be piloted in 14 districts before its roll-out to all districts in the country. The importance of the Active Notification System and its transformative benefits include the following: empowerment of traditional leaders to effectively execute their mandate in terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act [Chapter 5:02]; improvement in the registration of births and deaths in rural areas, and there will be no need for witnesses in cases of community births and deaths. Members of the public will no longer incur transport costs, and births and deaths will be registered timely.
8.0 REPORT ON HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT’S ATTENDANCE AT THE CORONATION CEREMONY
Cabinet received and adopted the Report on the visit to the United Kingdom by His Excellency the President Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa on the Occasion of the Coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023, as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr. Frederick Makamure Shava.
During the visit, and as part of the Second Republic’s mantra that Zimbabwe is Open for Business, His Excellency the President also met with business leaders, including the Chairperson of the Westminster Africa Group. The business leaders represented the following sectors: mining; telecommunications; energy; infrastructure development; aviation; financial technology and healthcare. Among the companies represented were Newbridge Resources, Clear Mobitel, the Financial Markets Indaba, Better Energy Company, and the Private Infrastructure Development Group.
Newbridge Resources expressed interest in a remote sensing project, through which collection of information about the Earth can be done from a distance. Clear Mobitel wishes to invest in technology in the areas of Financial Technology (FinTech), Health and Education as well as connecting a 5G network across the country. The Financial Markets Indaba facilitates trade and investment missions in Zimbabwe and around the world for investors interested in Africa. Better Energy Company is interested in investing in a massive 1 000MW solar energy project. It also has interests in the construction of housing and conference centres, mining, and infrastructure. Private Infrastructure Development Group has set aside US$5 billion for a solar project and intends to enter into a solar project contract with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development.
In line with the Second Republic’s re-engagement and engagement thrust, His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa met with the United Kingdom Minister of State for Development and Africa, the Right Honourable Andrew Mitchell, on 5 May, 2023. The President noted the progress that has been made in strengthening bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom as evidenced by the increase in exchange visits, and renewed interest in promoting trade, investment and tourism opportunities across Zimbabwe’s major economic sectors. The Right Honourable Mitchell highlighted his interest in mending Zimbabwe/UK relations and elevating these to a higher level.
Cabinet wishes to advise that on the day of the Coronation, the President also met with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Baroness Patricia Scotland on 6 May, 2023. Baroness Scotland reported that the Secretariat was finalising the Report on Zimbabwe before submission to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Chairperson, His Excellency President Paul Kagame. Baroness Scotland indicated that 21 African members of the Commonwealth were supportive of Zimbabwe’s re-admittance into the grouping.
9.0 UPDATE BY INVICTUS ON THE MUZARABANI OIL AND GAS PROJECT
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Wiston Chitando briefed Cabinet on the progress made by Invictus on the Muzarabani Oil Project. Invictus has received results of laboratory test work on the first well, Mukuyu 1 drilled in the Muzarabani area. These results indicate the presence of born oil and gas in quantities which indicate commercial viability of the project. Plans are well ahead for the drilling of the second well in Murazabani in the third quarter of this year. Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that this positive development bodes well for the development of the nation towards the attainment of Vision 2030
10.0 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN MCAZ AND THE EGYPT DRUGS AUTHORITY
Cabinet received an update on the above stated Memorandum of Understanding, which was presented by the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Gen (Rtd.) C.G.D.N. Chiwenga.
The nation is being informed that the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Arab Republic of Egypt have formed a partnership aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and maximizing shared benefits in the pharmaceuticals, biological products, and medical devices sectors. This partnership will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and the Egypt Drugs Authority (EDA) that builds upon the strong historical and friendly relations between the two countries.
This landmark event represents a significant step towards strengthening the regulatory frameworks of both Zimbabwe and Egypt in the pharmaceuticals sector. A delegation from Egypt Drug Authority will be the country from 10 to 12 May, 2023 for the MoU signing ceremony. The delegation will pay a visit at the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and IntraPharma Zimbabwe and also conduct meetings with various ministries including the Ministers of Finance and Economic Development, and the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care. This partnership will not only enhance the safety and efficacy of medicines in both countries but also promote the development of the pharmaceutical industry and create opportunities for investment and trade.
11.0 CONFERENCE ON THE AFRICAN WOMEN LEADERS NETWORK
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development updated Cabinet on the above-stated Conference
Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that the Conference on the African Women Leaders’ Network will be held from 15 to 16th May 2023. The Conference will be graced by prominent women leaders from all sections of society including political, business and civil society. The Conference will be held under the theme ‘Bridging the Generational Gap through Dialogue and Cooperation between the Youth and Older Women’. The event will be held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), and will be graced by women from the African Union, the United Nations family and will be officially opened by His Excellency the President.
12.0 UPDATE ON ZIMBABWE’S ASSISTANCE TO DISASTER-RAVAGED COUNTRIES IN AFRICA
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. July Moyo briefed Cabinet on the consignment of donations that will be sent to Malawi to assist flood victims.
As the nation is aware, the country, through its humanitarian assistance arm, ZIMAID, has already sent two consignments to assist flood victims in Malawi. ZIMAID will be sending another consignment which will be accompanied by Senior Government Officials, led by Mr. Nathan Nkomo, Chief Director, Civil Protection Unit and include the following items among others:
• Cement- 90 metric tonnes;
• Housing units (cabins)- 30;
• Mealie meal;
• Clothing bales;
• Bumper shoes bales; and
• an assortment of other goods, such as detergents, sanitary pads and medical supplies.
Cabinet wishes to express its gratitude to all those that are supporting the cause, and the transporters who are offering their services to transport the goods to Malawi.
Zimbabwe is also mobilizing similar support for victims of recent floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as Rwanda.
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