adminPost Correspondent
PEOPLE in Manicaland have commended President Robert Mugabe’s State of The Nation Address presented on Tuesday as a positive beacon.
Affirmative Action Group Manicaland chairman, Mr Fungai Chaeruka, said the State of The Nation Address came just at the right time when the nation was in dire need of answers from the Head of State on the direction the country was heading.
“As AAG we welcome what President Mugabe said. People were really becoming restless to hear what our leader had in his mind and he justly highlighted all the issues.
“However, what we want is quick implementation which like he said will need a united front as a nation. As AAG we are saying people want to be led and guided to Jericho,” said Mr Chaeruka.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries Manicaland chairman, Mr Richard Chiwandire, said President’s 10-point plan for economic growth was very comprehensive.
He, however, said timelines were essential to assist industry and commerce to plan ahead especially on the Special Economic Zones.
“The President’s presentation was very detailed and pragmatic to show that is well updated with the realities on the ground which is what every citizen of Zimbabwe wanted to hear.
“However, as industry we need timelines so that we can push Government to act on low hanging fruits which need to be taken up.
“In Manicaland we have every compelling reason to make noise because so many opportunities are present, but they just need that trigger effect from Government to lure investors.
“As a province proposals have been drafted and we just wait for the Special Economic Zones Bill to be accelerated so that we get the ball rolling,” said Mr Chiwandire.
Chief Saunyama applauded President Mugabe’s 10-point plan as visionary. He said though the economy was bleeding, tackling all the issues with a level head with the future in mind was important.
“President Mugabe presented a visionary plan to the nation. We might be on our knees, but quick fix plans are not the solution and the President addressed that with plans to continue cementing relations with China and to focus on economic enablers to lure investment,” said Chief Saunyama.
Chief Saunyama, however, took a swipe at the unwarranted heckling by MDC legislators during the President’s address.
He said it exposed the opposition party’s cheap politics and gross disregard . . . for serious national issues.
Manicaland Agricultural Business Forum Trust chairman, Mr Enoch Mbendami, commended President Mugabe for highlighting the importance of the agro-processing value chain.
President Mugabe said to maintain economic growth and create employment, Government had drawn a 10-point plan to revitalise agriculture and the agro-processing value chain, advance beneficiation and value addition to agricultural and mining resource endowments, among other facets.
The plan would also focus on infrastructure development, particularly in key energy, water, transport and ICT sectors, unlocking the potential of small to medium enterprises, encouraging private sector investment and restoration and building confidence and stability in the financial services sector.
Government also plans to promote joint ventures and public private partnerships to boost the role and performance of state-owned companies, modernising labour laws, pursuing the anti-corruption thrust and implementation of Special Economic Zones to attract investment.
Online Reporter