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Fildah Gwati
LANDS, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka yesterday announced the appointment of Professor Obert Jiri as the new permanent secretary to his Ministry and a new technical committee to assist in resolving water challenges affecting the City of Harare.
Prof Jiri replaces Dr John Basera who was re-assigned to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in the same capacity.
Dr Masuka said he was happy to have Prof Jiri as part of the Ministry.
Prof Jiri’s predecessor, Dr Basera also congratulated him over the appointment and wished him success in his endeavours.
“Hearty congratulations on your well-deserved elevation. I have no doubt that you and the team will take the sector to the next level,” said Dr Basera recently.
Prof Jiri who boasts a lot of experience in the field of agriculture and is a very competitive leader who will help the Ministry fulfil its mandate.
“I leave with my head high, convinced and with belief that you shall continue on the same G4G streak. You are a well-rounded, polished, tried and tested cadre already alive and seized with the pertinent issues within the sector,’’ added Dr Basera.
Dr Basera also revealed that he had high hopes for Prof Jiri in the Ministry and promised to support him throughout his tenure.
“You have my support and feel free to reach out, I will be just a click away,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Masuka also revealed that President Mnangagwa had directed him to put into action measures to reduce water challenges, which include the purchase of chemicals for water treatment that will last for one month and increase supply of water to 520 mega litres from the City of Harare and to facilitate the drilling of boreholes in needy areas. This will be done under the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa),” said Dr Masuka.
The new technical committee to assist the City of Harare is expected to help resolve the water challenges being experienced in the city and enhance the effectiveness of the strategies adopted to address the problem as directed by the President.
Among the elected committee members is Professor Hudson Magurira from the University of Zimbabwe who is equipped with water engineering knowledge and was duly appointed chairperson of the technical committee.
The term of office for the committee shall be for 400 days only and they will be expected to present a report on their findings and activities to Dr Masuka.
Online Reporter