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Bulawayo Bureau
THE 100-Day Cycle programme has proved to be an excellent approach in improving Government’s performance and ensuring that all departments are fully equipped to develop and attain Vision 2030, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government programmes, Dr Joram Gumbo, has said.
Speaking after touring the Tshabalala Sanctuary community curio shop project in Matobo District, Matabeleland South last week, Dr Gumbo said the project has been a success through the 100-Day Cycle programme.
The curio shop is being managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
“Applying the 100-Day Cycle approach ensures that all the tiers of Government are fully equipped to meet the development challenges as we strive to attain Vision 2030 and to achieve national priority goals as stipulated in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP),” said Dr Gumbo.
He said the community-based tourism project had been on the 100-Day Cycle priority projects for the last three cycles.
“The project is in line with the thrust and commitment of the New Dispensation to economically and socially empower its citizens,” said Dr Gumbo.
He added that the community curio shop project was significant in empowering local communities, improving biodiversity conservation and the livelihoods of citizens through community-based tourism.
“Personnel from the monitoring department in my office, in collaboration with the office of the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs, Cde Abednico Ncube, and other State entities, will continue to monitor projects and track performance to ensure responsible reporting by all ministries,” he said.
“The Government is serious about the 100-Day Cycle programme and moving the country in tandem with the aspirations of Vision 2030. Citizens now demand visible results that positively impact on their livelihoods.”
Dr Gumbo said it was therefore the responsibility of the Government to make sure that it makes the best use of the available resources for a better Zimbabwe.
Minister Ncube said the community surrounding Tshabalala Sanctuary was excited to be part of the wider conservation and socio-economic development taking place in the area.
He said the establishment of the community curio shop resonated well with the Government’s devolution agenda.
“This project was designed to project Tshabalala Sanctuary as an integral part of the development framework,” he said.
“It seeks to promote participation of local communities in wildlife management and biodiversity conservation activities.
“Experience suggests that exclusion of local communities from projects results in lack of support, poaching and habitat destruction with no one benefiting.”
The sanctuary boasts wildlife species such as zebra, giraffe, kudu, impala, warthog and common duiker.
Notable varieties of birds found include the tawny eagle, kori, red-crested korhaan, secretary bird, chestnut-backed sparrow and the purple roller.
Online Reporter