Government is working on a five-year National Development
Strategy (NDS) to bolster infrastructure projects deemed crucial for the
attainment of an upper middle income status by 2030. The NDS is set to be
launched in September and will replace the Transitional Stabilisation Programme
(TSP), a two-year economic blueprint launched in October 2018 which runs its
course in December.
TSP set in motion a number of infrastructure projects
spanning across energy, roads and social services such as water and health
provision.
It focused on stabilising the macro-economy, laying a
foundation for sustainable and shared private sector-led growth.
Essentially, TSP marked the commencement of a development
journey, which has achieved milestones on fiscal consolidation, monetary policy
restoration, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, structural and
governance reforms, re-engagement, investment promotion and support for the productive
sectors.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Finance and
Economic Development said: “Pursuant to this and in line with Vision 2030, the
end of the TSP marks the beginning of the first 5-year National Development
Strategy (NDS1) — (2021-2025); and the second 5-year National Development
Strategy (NDS2) —(2026-2030.
“Government of Zimbabwe, therefore, wishes to inform
citizens, private sector, non-governmental organisations and cooperating
partners, among other stakeholders that the preparations for the development of
the first 5-year National Development Strategy have officially started.
“The strategy is expected to be launched in September 2020,
coinciding with the preparations for the 2021 National Budget.”
The Finance ministry is now set to roll out outreach
programmes targeting all stakeholders to gather views as part of the wider
stakeholder consultations.
Stakeholders with contributions towards the NDS can start
sending them to Secretary for Finance, Mr George Guvamatanga, who is based at
Mgandane Dlodlo Building (formerly New Government Complex).
President Mnangagwa’s Government has pledged to deliver
tangible development focusing on infrastructure, arguing that the country was
20 years behind its regional peers.
Such projects will create job opportunities.Many infrastructural projects, including expanding energy
infrastructure, airports and roads expansion, are underway.
Works are underway on the Harare-Beitbridge Highway, with
the conclusion of the project primed for 2023.
Already, a 3km stretch has been officially commissioned in
Beatrice, with contractors busy on other stretches.
Serious work is also taking place on the dangerous
Marongora stretch along the Harare-Chirundu Highway.
Last week, the contractor was gravelling and applying
asphalt as progress continues.
Government has also provided funds towards interventions to
improve access to clean water and waste water treatment in Harare and other
municipalities, which are struggling due to years of mismanagement. Herald
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