Govt commits to Zim-Asset success Minister Undenge
Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge

Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge

Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter
Government is committed to see the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation succeed and this is evidenced by all the major scores so far, in spite of the existence of illegal sanctions.

Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge said it was important for all Government institutions to work hard to transform the economy.

He made the remarks while addressing delegates who attended a Zim-Asset conference in Harare yesterday organised by Highfield West MP Cde Psychology Maziwisa.

“Often times, we have been criticised for coming up with programmes that are extremely good in theory, but void of proper implementation in practice,” said Minister Undenge.

“I am glad to say that this is not so with Zim-Asset and our presence here today is ample proof of your desire to get things done.

“I am delighted to report that in line with the food security and nutrition cluster, and as a direct result of the negative impact of the current El Nino effect, Government has since mobilised $200 million for food security.

“President Mugabe, in keeping with his trademark wisdom, recently declared a state of emergency in light of the prevailing drought. This has had the effect of prompting the international donor community to raise $60 million for food security in the country.”

Minister Undenge said Government would soon be spear-heading a feeding scheme in schools across the country that are located in areas most affected by drought.

“Zim-Asset is on the move, and that is all thanks to the visionary leadership of President Mugabe,” he said.

“We have seen an improvement in the delivery of social services since 2013. Refuse collection has been done more consistently, a culture that will naturally promote basic hygiene and good health.”

Minister Undenge said on the infrastructure and utilities cluster, enormous work had been done across the country.

“Some of the projects include the expansion of the Plumtree-Harare-Mutare highway, dualisation of the Airport Road, while dualisation of the Harare-Beitbridge highway would soon be done,” he said.

“There are so many projects underway to make sure the country produces enough power and become self-sufficient. In fact, the aim is to make Zimbabwe a net exporter of power.

“As a ministry, we are taking necessary steps to ensure that the country have enough power, the country does not go dark.

“We will continue to have uninterrupted supply of power. Work at Kariba South expansion is 41 percent complete. There are intense efforts to make sure the rehabilitation work at Hwange Thermal Power Station is expedited,” he said.

Minister Undenge said Government was also interested in promoting the value addition cluster, particularly in cutting and polishing diamonds.

“We must continue with this thrust,” he said.

“There is no time for chit-chatting in the boardroom. Let us go on the ground and work. Let us continue to remember that we are serving under a Government that is led by Africa’s greatest leader.

“This economy cannot afford to tolerate laziness or incompetence. We have to keep thinking outside the box and putting that extra effort.

“These are extraordinary times we are in and they demand extraordinary effort. There is no doubt that a lot has been done to implement Zim-Asset, but if we take our eyes off the ball, the story will be different.”

Minister Undenge said President Mugabe was doing his part to ensure the economy improved, and that everyone is fed in the light of the devastating drought.

“It is only fair that we play our part and do the best that we can to ensure that Zim-Asset succeeds,” he said. “This is not just the right way to ensure our economy grows, it is the only way.”

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