Online Reporter
We publish here the post Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, in Harare yesterday.
MINIMUM SERVICE DELIVERY STANDARDS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Cabinet considered and approved the Minimum Service Delivery Standards for Local Authorities Framework.
The nation will recall that in 2023 President Mnangagwa officially launched the Blueprint on “A call to Action. No compromise to Service Delivery: First stage of interventions to modernise the Operations of Local Authorities towards Vision 2030”.
Local Authorities were directed to develop roadmaps towards the attainment of the vision. On its part, the Government developed minimum service delivery standards to guide Local Authorities in the implementation of their roadmaps.
The objectives for developing minimum service delivery standards are: to define the minimum levels of services that local authorities should provide, and the nature of service recipients should expect in terms of quantity, quality, time and cost; to determine minimum cost for the provision of services; to provide uniformity and consistency in the provision of services at local level; and to provide a basis upon which feedback on the level of satisfaction against the standards will be evaluated.
The Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework places focus on: Water Supply; Sanitation; Solid Waste Management; Roads and Public Lighting; Corporate Governance; Public Health; Environmental Issues; and Housing and Community Services.
Each area has performance indicators, benchmarks and performance standards. The data will be submitted online, with a real-time dashboard system being implemented to track, monitor and evaluate progress.
The performance of local authorities, both urban and rural, will be based on assessments set in the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework.
UPDATE ON THE STATE OF PRICES AND THE AVAILABILITY OF BASIC COMMODITIES
Cabinet considered an update on price movements and the availability of basic commodities in the domestic market for the period January to March 2025.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce conducts routine surveys to monitor prices and the availability of basic commodities with the ultimate goal of safeguarding and promoting consumer welfare in the economy.
The surveys target 14 basic commodities namely: mealie-meal, laundry soap, cooking oil, bread, sugar, flour, rice, bath soap, washing powder, powdered/fresh milk, eggs, beef, chicken and salt. The public is advised that there is a positive correlation between the movements in the prices of basic commodities and exchange rate movements. On a positive note, the gap between the official and parallel market rates has been narrowed during the period under review. It has also been observed that local products continue to dominate shelf space in both the formal and informal sector outlets.
The period under review witnessed the wholesale and retail sectors facing significant viability challenges resulting in branch closures, destocking and reduced operations by some of the retail outlets.
Compliance inspections undertaken by the Ministry have resulted in 137 prosecutions, issuance of 245 compliance notices and the seizure of 3 427 units of different products. The current tight Monetary Policy is yielding results in the containment of inflationary pressures and maintaining exchange rate and price stability.
REVIEW REPORT ON THE 2025 ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
Cabinet considered and noted the review report on the 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
The 65th ZITF was officially opened by Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo, who reminded both nations of the enduring power of unity and emphasized the profound historical and political connections dating back to the fight against colonialism. President Chapo urged the two nations to increase trade between them and leverage on their membership of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Pertaining to the level of local and foreign participation, 8 179 business visitors were registered, compared to the 7 934 that were recorded in 2024. The total number of exhibitors in 2025 reached 574, compared to the 517 recorded in 2024. Private sector participation has shown a marked increase with 368 companies exhibiting in 2025, up from the 298 recorded in 2024.
Thirty foreign nations attended the fair for the first time which is clear testimony that the Government’s engagement and re-engagement policy is continuing to yield results. The inaugural Rural Industrialisation Indaba themed “Inclusive Growth, Industrial Roots: Unlocking Zimbabwe’s Rural Potential” drew the participation of 378 delegates.
The key objective of the indaba was to map strategies to transform rural communities into vibrant micro-medium industrial hubs, thereby fostering inclusive economic growth across Zimbabwe.
The Trade Fair also hosted side events such as the Zimbabwe-India business session that attracted new Indian investments into Zimbabwe currently estimated at US$600 million; the Research for Industrialisation Conference that featured models of innovation such as the Lupane State University’s goat production project and the Midlands State University’s coal-to-tar initiative; and the Diplomats Forum, among others.
Regarding economic impact assessment, a notable 6,3 percent of respondents indicated the successful conclusion of business agreements, signifying substantial economic engagements. Beyond the immediate monetary value of deals, the fair has also facilitated the forging of key agreements. An impressive 20 percent of respondents reported the signing of various agreements underscoring the platform’s role in fostering long-term collaborations.
CLIMATE CHANGE MANAGEMENT BILL, 2025
Cabinet considered and approved the Climate Change Management Bill, 2025 which was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
The Bill aims to achieve alignment with Section 73 of the Constitution, which guarantees environmental rights for present and future generations. It seeks to mainstream climate change across all sectors of the economy, prioritising adaptation and mitigation efforts.
The Bill will regulate greenhouse gas emissions, promote low-carbon development, and support carbon trading. It will establish a Designated National Authority for carbon trading, and a National Climate Fund to support climate change initiatives. By providing a comprehensive legal framework, the Bill will address gaps in existing climate-related statutes, ensuring a coordinated approach to climate change management across various sectors.
REPORTS ON PROJECTS AS AT DAY 50 OF THE 1ST 100-DAY CYCLE OF 2025
Cabinet received and noted progress Reports presented by four line ministers as at day 50 of the First 100-Day Cycle of 2025.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted the following achievements on projects under her purview:
Under the social protection thematic area of the National Development Strategy 1:
The establishment of the Hauna fruit and vegetable processing plant, which will benefit over 2 600 farmers from Honde Valley, Mutasa and Nyanga districts, is expected to be completed by mid-May;
The construction of Umzingwane safe market with 20 vending stalls and six kitchens was completed.
Construction of a perimeter wall sub-structure at Golden Vale community based centre for skills training and entrepreneurship development in Makonde District in Mashonaland West Province is ongoing.
Under the economic growth and stability thematic area of the National Development Strategy 1:
Construction of the Gazaland workspace in Harare Metropolitan Province is ongoing, with designs completed, plan approval almost complete. Some construction materials are now on site; and
Pertaining to funding of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, 151 small to medium enterprises applied for funding, 52 projects were appraised and approved, and 22 projects were funded as at March 18, 2025.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire highlighted the following achievements on projects under his purview:
Under the youth, sport and culture thematic area of the National Development Strategy 1:
The youth coding and digital skills programme which targeted capacitation of 1.5 million youths was launched by President Mnangagwa, and over 20 000 youths have participated to date;
The Mbire youth goat improvement programme targeting the distribution of 30 pure Boer goat bucks, benefiting about 300 youths in Mbire District, was launched on 27th March, 2025;
The Development Partner Stakeholder Engagement Programme targeting to develop a Youth Empowerment Strategy that aims to unlock financial resources for youth programming was organised. The Youth Empowerment Strategy was developed, and implementation is on course;
The National Drug and Substance Abuse campaigns are ongoing and the 79 awareness sessions which were completed reached out to over 165 000 youths;
The renovation of 24 hostel blocks accommodating 1 000 students at Guyu Training Centre in Gwanda District of Matabeleland South Province is 30 percent complete;
Construction of a multi-purpose workshop at Sivomo Vocational Training Centre in Nkayi District of Matabeleland North Province is ongoing. Works have reached 55 percent complete, with ring beam casting and wall plate brickwork completed
Construction of a multi-purpose workshop at Kadoma Vocational Training Centre is 50 percent complete; and
The Youth Community Skills Outreach Programme targeting capacitation of 924 youths is ongoing.
National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda highlighted the following achievements on projects under his purview:
Under the housing delivery thematic area of the National Development Strategy 1:
Construction of 64 units of 4×4 storey blocks of flats under the Marondera flats housing project in Mashonaland East Province is 90 percent complete;
Construction of two blocks of garden flats and two blocks of double-storey duplex flats under the Beitbridge re-development project in Matabeleland South Province is 71 percent complete; and
Construction of 4×4 storey blocks of flats under the Zambezi Flats project in Harare Metropolitan Province has commenced in earnest.
Under the social amenities thematic area of the National Development Strategy 1:
Construction of the waiting mother’s shelter under the Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe Mutawatawa Housing Project in Mashonaland East Province is 90 percent complete;
The Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora highlighted the following achievements on projects under his purview:
Under the Health and Well-being Thematic Area of the National Development Strategy 1:
Replacement of Gel Batteries with Lithium-Ion Batteries at 50 health facilities is 100% complete;
Construction of a health post in Hwange District of Matabeleland North Province has been completed;
Construction of Manhize Rural Health Centre in Chikomba District in Mashonaland East Province is making steady progress. The site has been fenced, and a borehole drilled. Foundations for both the main health facility and accommodation units were completed;
Installation of oxygen plants at Lupane and Chinhoyi Provincial Hospitals has reached 30 percent at both hospitals; and
The installation of digital X-ray machines at five district and mission hospitals is 83 percent complete.
Peter Tanyanyiwa