Story by Stanley James
THE Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda is on track, with the Binga Development Initiative recording massive milestones since its implementation.
Presenting the 29th cabinet highlights in Harare this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, revealed milestones recorded on several projects which are improving people’s livelihoods in Binga.
“Cabinet noted progress regarding the implementation of the Binga Development Initiative, a brainchild of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa focusing on a number of transformative projects for the Binga District. The Initiative resonates with the mantra ” Leaving no one and no place behind ,” and progress to date is as follows; construction of additional buildings for staff and students welfare at the Binga Industrial Training College, and the establishment of two additional government boarding schools in the district.
“Moreso, the construction of two new clinics at Mabobolo and Manyanda which have since been completed; the rehabilitation of Binga District Mortuary and the donation of two ambulances by His Excellency the President, the establishment of irrigation facilities close to Gwayi- Shangani, and Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation project both of which have been completed, the rehabilitation of 1.1 kilometre Binga Airstrip and the resuscitation of Muchesu Mine which was commissioned by his Excellency the President has so far been successful in attracting international capital investments thereby unlocking opportunities for communities in the district,” he said.
A Zimbabwe Global Skills Partnership Programme was also approved by the cabinet.
“The programme recognises the critical skills that are required in Zimbabwe, especially these related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Health and Agriculture as indicated from the 2018, National Critical Skills Audit. These critical skills will be strategically managed during the programme to mitigate brain drain, the programme is also designed to foster reciprocal international partnerships, significantly enhancing the country’s national skills development ecosystem through international exposure from Technical and Vocational Education and Training placements, and structured on the job training,” Dr Muswere said.
The rolling out of the Community Share Ownership Trust Framework was another key highlight of this week’s Cabinet session.
“Following Government’s adoption of rural industrialisation as a key industrial development strategy to ensure inclusive economic growth in line with the mantra by His Excellency the President of leaving no one and no place behind. The Community Economic Empowerment Trusts will be critical vehicles to drive rural industrialisation in all districts, these trusts will equally be expected to form the vital cog that attract investments including through partnerships into agro processing leveraging on the local agricultural economy and the Village Business Units being established, the Trusts will be supported to set up industrial parks, working with potential partners in their respective districts,” he added.
Other takeaways from the cabinet meeting include rolling out of reserved sectors for Zimbabweans, approval of the principles for the Zimbabwe Border Management Bill and a report on the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America.
