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The verification of collated data by team leaders was scheduled to start yesterday as the uploading of views gathered on the constitution in last year’s outreach programme was completed on Monday.
In a telephone interview from Harare yesterday Copac co-chairperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora said the technical problem would be rectified soon.
“There is nothing to worry about as we are still within the required time frame to conclude the verification of the collated data,” said Mr Mwonzora.

He said the verification of the data was expected to take a week.
“After this process we will then select people to be in the thematic committees and they will be tasked to compile the data according to themes.
“The selection of these thematic committees is already under way and we are at an advanced stage of having them in place,” said Mr Mwonzora.

He said the data collation process was a resounding success.
“The data collation went well and we hope the next stage will be a success as well.
“Team leaders were in agreement that the information was authentic,” said Mr Mwonzora.

He said after the verification of collated data the thematic committee would start working.
“At this stage the data will be put into different themes for the constitution,” said Mr Mwonzora.

Thematic committees require US$1, 6 million for the process.
“We are worried with the finances for the next stage, if we are to complete the constitution on time we need urgent funding.
“At the moment we are waiting for the Government provision for funding and we hope it will be availed soon,” said Mr Mwonzora.

The data uploading process began in earnest on 10 January, but faced technical challenges as well as hiccups caused by withdrawal of some MDC rapporteurs due to internal party issues.
Fears were that the uploading process would miss the 25 January deadline.
The delays in the constitution making process pose a threat to the referendum on the new constitution, which is expected to be conducted in June, paving way for elections.