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Dr Misheck Sibanda

Walter Nyamukondiwa in KADOMA
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda says the country is on the verge of economic recovery anchored on key interventions being implemented by Government

Speaking after touring ARDA Doreen’s Pride Estate here yesterday, Dr Sibanda urged parastatals to play their part through sound turnaround strategies saying some State enterprises such as ARDA had shown positive signs of recovery which would have a knock-on effect on the economy.

“We are convinced that we are on the verge of real economic turnaround notwithstanding the difficulties and challenges we have been faced with,” said Dr Sibanda.

“We are very much convinced with what we have seen. Let’s have optimism and that optimism (like what we have at ARDA) will make us not only follow some of our colleague countries who are developing, but even surpass them.”

He said the media should propagate the good things that Government was doing to improve the country’s economy.

Dr Sibanda noted that ARDA was of great concern at some point owing to perennial decline, but has turned the bend and was on the road to contributing significantly towards the country’s economic turnaround and food security.

“We wish other parastatals and State enterprises follow your (ARDA) example so that we quickly see State enterprises contributing towards economic recovery.”

Government has earmarked 10 State enterprises and parastatals including ARDA for immediate restructuring and organisation to ensure they efficiently fulfil their mandate. He said the Office of the President and Cabinet will now monitor major projects and implementation of Cabinet decisions hands-on instead of getting reports on their progress.

Dr Sibanda hailed the Private-Public-Partnership between ARDA and Trek Petroleum which has seen the resuscitation of ARDA Doreen’s Pride which is set to put 5 000ha under wheat and maize throughout the year when fully functional.

ARDA has moved to resuscitate all of its estates across the country with plans to provide at least one quarter of the country’s grain needs.

Board chairman Mr Basil Nyabadza praised Government policies and interventions for the turnaround of ARDA.

“We believe that with a programme of this nature within 24 to 30 months we should be near food self-sufficient. What we see happening is the 10-Point Plan in action,” he said.

He said about 1 000ha of land will be put under horticulture and fruits to support Zangrinda Food processing unit in Norton.

Mr Nyabadza said food should never be used as a weapon against Zimbabweans and that can only be averted through food self sufficiency.

Trek Petroleum managing director Mr Onias Sanangura thanked Government for allowing private players to venture into agriculture through partnership.

The Deputy Chief Secretary responsible for monitoring and evaluation Mr Justin Mupamhanga, Energy and Power Development permanent secretary Mr Partson Mbiriri and other Government officials were part of the entourage.