· The country saw an increase in the national vaccination coverage for the first dose to 61.3%, from 61.1%
· The Industrial Parks Programme has saved the nation US$12 million in imports
· The government has released funds for drone mapping and a geological survey for Kwekwe City Council in order to ensure the safety of all citizens and businesses.
HARARE- According to the recently published Cabinet Press Briefing, the nation was informed that the country saw an increase in the national vaccination coverage for the first dose to 61.3%, from the 61.1% which was recorded previously. A total of 6 890 028 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far, while 5 109 287 people have received their second dose, and 1 665 662 their third dose.
The nation was also informed of the transformation of the inherited education system (Education 3.0) to Heritage-Based Education (Education 5.0). This is meant to move the nation forward toward an innovation-led and knowledge-based economy. The activities are guided by priority programs on innovation, science and technology development; and human capital development that produces goods and services. The Ministry’s strategic thrust is the attainment of an upper middle-income economy by 2030. To date, the Ministry has seen progress in the Indigenous Fruits Beneficiation Programme in which an Amarula Beneficiation Plant was established at Rutenga in Mwenezi.
Moreover, a cough mixture, COFSOL, was also launched in partnership with the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) and is readily available in pharmacies. Progress was also achieved in the Industrial Parks Programme, which has saved the nation US$12 million in imports by establishing semi-automated manufacturing plants for the local production of industrial and household personal care products, personal protective equipment, and allied health products. Other programs and projects include the Number Plates Production Programme, the Bio-Economy Programme, the Textile and Clothing Programme, and the Innovation Hubs Programme, amongst a host of others that the government has highlighted as being of national importance.
The acting Minister of Foreign Affairs informed the nation that he held a meeting with the Minister of External Affairs and Education of India on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries in which they discussed bi-lateral cooperation matters and an offer to Zimbabwe for membership in the new Development Bank (formerly BRICS Bank).
Cabinet, also received a report on the Globe and Phoenix Primary School Disaster which occurred in Kwekwe on 16 March 2023. The government has released funds for drone mapping and a geological survey for Kwekwe City Council in order to ensure the safety of all citizens and businesses. Geotechnical surveys will be conducted for all mining towns and communities facing similar situations.
Minister, N.M. Ndlovu presented an updated report on the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company Feasibility Study on the Development of the Masuwe Special Economic Zone. The nation was informed that the feasibility study appraisal indicated that the development project is viable, with an acceptable profit margin of US$57 696 447.00 which is 15.5% and 18.2% of gross development value and development cost, respectively. The government will maintain a shareholding on every portion of the land earmarked for development projects in Victoria Falls.
Moreover, Cabinet is informing the nation that project implementation shall be rolled out in two phases. Phase One entails the construction of bulk water supply systems for the entire Masuwe Special Economic Zone and the development of internal water, sanitation, roads, and stormwater drains at an estimated total cost of US$120 million. Phase Two will witness the development of the remaining 930 hectares at approximately US$85 million. The overall estimated project implementation period is 24 months. The nation is further being informed that Old Mutual Life Assurance Company will construct a 4-star hotel with a 5 000-seater conference facility; medical tourism facilities; a golf estate and a shopping mall on land which Government will allocate. The project will comply with all relevant environmental statutes, including the use of solar to provide clean energy. -Equity Axis
