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Mapozho Saruchera-Correspondent
After getting battered by the Covid-19 pandemic, the global economy is poised to be sent on yet another unpredictable tailspin by the raging war between Russia and Ukraine.
Already, disruptions of global supply chains have caused dizzying spikes in energy and food prices, fuelled inflation fears and spooked investors – a combination that is now threatening investment and growth in economies around the world. Zimbabwe has not been spared.
To make matters worse, the country is still under ruinous western sanctions – for being courageous enough to repossess its land from erstwhile colonisers and land thieves.
That being said, life has to go on, the country needs to become more self-reliant as it begins what is likely to be another trying period under the weight of sanctions and effects of the disruptions of global supply chains.
Fortunately, after critically reviewing the country’s total situation, including its current capabilities and possibilities, President Mnangagwa reached an unassailable philosophical and ideological conclusion that, “Nyika yedu inovakwa Nevene Vayo”.
Simply translated, this means the responsibility, mission, duty and burden of developing Zimbabwe rests with those who own and belong to it.
In that regard, Zimbabweans have to stand up and be counted in improving their situation.
What is being said is that, it is now the responsibility of beneficiaries of the country’s Land Reform Programme, for example, to ensure that the country is food secure.
Zimbabwean farmers can no longer abdicate that responsibility to any other race, nation or people from another continent, as disruptions in the global supply chain would result in food insecurity.
Additionally, indigenous farmers should improve the quality and quantity of their exports to ensure that the country earns foreign currency to import that which cannot be produced locally.
The same can be said about the manufacturing sector.
The Government has done its part to ensure that industries have access to foreign currency by putting in place the Foreign Currency Auction System.
This money should, therefore, be used for retooling and enhancing industrial capacity utilisation.
The revival of the local industry would create jobs and result in the reduction of the import bill, which in turn translates to foreign currency savings.
These savings can be used for critical imports and foreign debt repayment.
On the energy front, it is encouraging to note that producers like Solgas, whose 5MW power plant was recently commissioned by the President in Hwange, are working hard to ensure that the country has enough energy necessary for economic growth.
These companies understand that it is none but ourselves, falling back on our God-given resources and our ever growing ingenuity, that can develop Zimbabwe.
No one is coming with truckloads of United States dollars, as delusional politicians like Mr Nelson Chamisa and his misguided side-kick Tendai Biti want the people to believe.
Everyone is busy looking after their interests – it is high time Zimbabweans start doing the same. Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans.
It is, however, important to note that rebuilding Zimbabwe is going to be made easy by the fact that the current Government is development oriented.
The Second Republic is rolling out the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme, which will run until 2024, in a bid to repair roads and bridges that are being destroyed by incessant rains and disrepair by poorly-run local authorities.
Roads make a crucial contribution to economic development and growth and bring important social benefits.
In addition, providing access to employment, social, health and education services road networks are crucial in fighting poverty.
Roads open up more areas and stimulate economic and social development.
For these reasons, road infrastructure is one among the most important of all public assets. Apart from road rehabilitation, Government is also modernising and expanding ports of entry as well as contracting dams for irrigation purposes.
Online Reporter