Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE ruling ZANU-PF has intensified grassroots engagements in Mashonaland West Province to unpack the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill and its implications for governance and national development.
Following the gazetting of the Bill by Parliament, legislators have embarked on outreach programmes aimed at sensitising communities on the proposed changes.
In Makonde District, villagers who attended the meetings said the engagements are helping them better understand the contents of the Bill and its potential impact. Some community members expressed support for the proposed alignment and extension of the terms of the President and Parliament, arguing that continuity would sustain development gains.
“Frequent elections tend to disrupt development, especially in rural communities like ours. Limited resources that could be channelled towards projects such as clinics, roads and water provision are often diverted towards campaign processes and related activities. As villagers, we prefer a stable environment where funds and attention are focused on improving livelihoods rather than political cycles,” said one community member.
Others cited ongoing development programmes such as borehole drilling, Village Business Units, Pfumvudza farming and road rehabilitation as evidence of progress that requires policy consistency.
Makonde legislator Simbarashe Ziyambi said the proposed reforms are intended to strengthen governance and enhance stability.
“Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is about strengthening governance and ensuring stability in our country. One of the key proposals relates to the alignment and extension of the terms of Parliament and the President to ensure continuity and avoid unnecessary disruptions to national development programmes,” he said.
He added that sustained leadership is necessary to safeguard infrastructure projects and agricultural support schemes within the framework of the Constitution.
The Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill has passed through Cabinet and was recently gazetted, paving the way for nationwide public hearings and written submissions from citizens and stakeholders before further parliamentary debate.
