Story by Oleen Ndori
Government says it is committed to upscale protection of children’s rights and privileges.
During this Tuesday’s post cabinet media briefing in Harare, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere unpacked government position regarding the rights and definitions of a child as stated by the constitution.
“The nation is informed that Section 81 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe addresses the unique needs and the best interest of children in addition to rights and freedoms afforded to all citizens in the Bill of Rights. Section 81(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe defines a child as“every boy or girl under the age of eighteen years” and further provides for freedom and protection of children from all forms of sexual exploitation,” he explained.
The position was further explained by the Attorney General, Mrs Virginia Mabhiza.
With world leaders set to convene in Dubai, UAE for the United Nations Climate Change Summit from this Thursday; Dr Muswere updated the nation with regards to the Climate Change Bill.
“The nation is informed that the Climate Change Management Bill will provide for the national climate change response through integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in development planning and budgeting processes. The proposed Bill will provide for the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, facilitate low carbon development technologies and carbon trading as well as putting in place measures to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances,” he added.
Dr Muswere also unpacked government interventions to the council crisis and failure to deliver key services, “Cabinet wishes to restate that where the local authorities are failing to provide infrastructure, Government will continue to strengthen interventions. In the meantime, specific interventions are being put in place to augment the following services: a) that immediate safe water trucking in affected urban areas; b) that the continuation of drilling and rehabilitation of boreholes; c) that the monitoring water quality in all areas; d) that the provision of household water treatment technologies; e) that the repairing of burst sewer pipes; f) that the regular refuse collection and removal of garbage; g) that restrictions of gatherings in all cholera affected areas; h) that supervision of all burials in all cholera affected areas; Page 10 of 11 i) that there was need to have functional public toilets in all public places by involvement of private sector in the installation of temporary toilets; and j) that installation hand washing and sanitation devices in all public spaces be expedited.”
The information minister also apprised the nation on different 100-day cycle projects under his purview that include the modernisation of Central Radio in Gweru, Khulumani FM in Bulawayo, Mbembesi community radio stations, among others.
Cabinet also deliberated on the sporting fraternity programmes nationally along with updates regarding the cholera outbreak.
