Story by Oleen Ndori
THE Government says notable progress has been recorded under the Infrastructure and Utilities Cluster of the National Development Strategy One (NDS1).
Speaking at a Post Cabinet Media Briefing on Wednesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere unpacked some of the successes registered under NDS1 which has for the past five years spurred the socio-political and economic growth of the country.
“Under the Infrastructure and Utilities pillar of the National Development Strategy One, the Minister of State for National Security presented the following achievements under the purview of the Rural Infrastructural Development Agency; the construction of Chadzire Bridge in Buhera, Manicaland Province is at 70% of completion; the construction of the Kambanje Bridge in Mudzi District, Mashonaland East is 50% complete; the construction of Pohwe Bridge in the Midlands Province has reached 55% of completion; and the construction of the Makugwe Bridge in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province is at 55% of completion,” he said.
Cabinet also deliberated on a number of bills relating to the welfare of veterans of the liberation struggle, the definition of a war veteran and the recognition of Botswana as a transit camp during the struggle for independence.
“Cabinet approved the Principles of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Amendment Bill, which were presented by the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs. The objective of amending the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act [Chapter 17:12] is to enhance the welfare of beneficiaries, modernise the legislative framework and align the Act with the Constitution. Under the proposed amendment, Botswana will be recognised among the transit camps through the revision of the definition of ‘non-combatant cadre’. The amendment will also provide a clear framework for the exhumation, repatriation and dignified reburial of veterans who perished during the liberation struggle. Furthermore, the amendments will broaden access to benefits and recognition for eligible individuals and their dependents,” Dr Muswere said.
“Cabinet considered and approved the Principles of the War Victims Compensation Bill which seeks to improve the welfare of beneficiaries by establishing a dedicated War Victims Compensation Board to manage the affairs of war victims. Cabinet received and adopted the Principles of the National Heroes Amendment Bill. The National Heroes Act [Chapter 11:16] is the primary legislation for recognising individuals as National Heroes for their exceptional contribution to the liberation of Zimbabwe. The proposed amendments seek to enhance the welfare of the beneficiaries under the Act, and to refine the categories of heroes and heroines to more accurately reflect their diverse contributions to the nation. Amendments will provide clear definitions of who constitutes “a National Hero”; “a Liberation War Hero”; and “a Liberation Hero”.”
The Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill was also tabled before cabinet.
“Cabinet considered and approved the Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill. The Amendment Bill seeks to align the Deposit Protection Corporation legislation with international best practice. It provides a regulatory framework on insolvency for troubled banking institutions and empowers the Deposit Protection Corporation to act as a liquidator for failed contributory institutions. The amendment will also incorporate microfinance institutions as contributory institutions and align the Deposit Protection Corporation Act to the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act,” Dr Muswere said.
Cabinet also deliberated on the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and the Whistleblowers and Witness Protection Bill, which are expected to strengthen social protection and improve accountability mechanisms.
