Story by Peter Chivhima
LAWMAKERS have been challenged to implement programmes that advance the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the country’s vision to become an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
This comes as legislators gathered for a sensitisation session at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden this Thursday, where they were briefed on the importance of mainstreaming SDGs and Agenda 2063 into community-based development initiatives.
The session, which drew participation from several members of Parliament, sought to strengthen the link between policy, implementation, and community impact.
“For us, the session was an eye-opener, as you know that I represent people with special needs, so this will enable me to carry their needs from communities to Parliament,” Senator Annah Shiri, who represents persons with disabilities, said.
“We are happy to note that our government is leading in implementing these Sustainable Development Goals which were unpacked today. We are seeing that the issue of education, there are several initiatives in place,” Zaka North legislator, Honourable Ophias Murambiwa said.
“During the meeting a number of issues were discussed in regards to the Sustainable Development Goals, so it is important that we continue to engage on such so that Members of Parliament fully understand how to implement those SDGs in their communities,” Chairperson of the Thematic Committee on SDGs, Honourable Senator Chief Nkatazo Siansali added.
Honourable Chenjerai Kangausaru, legislator for Hurungwe East Constituency, also pledged to act on the knowledge gained
“We are going to implement what we have learnt today for the benefit of our communities, as you are aware that we are here because of them.”
Mrs Sylocoius Chaturuka, Director for Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063 in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, emphasised the crucial role of lawmakers in grassroots development.
“The idea stemmed from the recognition that parliamentarians are closest to the people they operate at the community level, where real development and transformation must occur,” she said.
“We are rolling out Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) with local authorities and communities to track SDG progress. We want parliamentarians to be our advocates, ensuring SDGs and Agenda 2063 are fully integrated into the Mid-Term Development Strategy (MDS2).”
Mr Kennedy Chokuda, Clerk of Parliament, also spoke on expectations from the legislative arm of government.
“Our expectations are that Members of Parliament carry and implement what they have learnt to their communities.”
The meeting comes at a time when the government is rolling out several initiatives, such as the construction of schools, the provision of clean and potable water, and the distribution of food relief to affected communities all in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
