The ManicaPost
Cletus Mushanawani
News Editor
The people of Manicaland have embraced the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) programme, saying its inclusivity will see many areas developing in line with the upper middle class economy targeted by 2030.
Participants at an NDS1 outreach programme held in Mutare on Wednesday were optimistic that the economy had weathered the storm and was on the recovery path.
NDS1, which is the successor to the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), was launched by President Mnangagwa last year.
The first five-year programme will run up to 2025, while NDS2 will run up to 2030 as Zimbabwe moves towards attaining Vision 2030.
The Government has adopted an all-inclusive thrust in rolling out key policies, with citizens countrywide being engaged on the policies.
In an interview with The Manica Post on the sidelines of the consultative engagement on Wednesday, chief communications director in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Clive Mphambela said it was Government policy to engage citizens in the crafting and implementation of policies.
“In line with the Government’s thrust that no one and no place should be left behind when it comes to development, we are here in Manicaland to discuss with the local people on what they feel about NDS1. We want to capture their feelings if there were any omissions on the document and what they need to see being implemented on the ground,” he said.
Mr Mphambela added: “For the first time in the history of national economic planning documents, NDS1 has been translated into the 14 local languages.
“We are also conducting workshops in the local languages across the country. In addition to the local languages, the NDS1 policy document was translated into braille for the visually impaired, an audio for those who want to listen and an e-book for those who want to read online,” he said.
Mr Mphambela said from the engagements they have had with the citizenry so far, it has been noted that people are upbeat about the economic stability achieved by the recently concluded TSP.
“People are happy with the return of macro-economic stability.
“Exchange rates and prices have been stabilised. Long queues for basic commodities have disappeared.
“Government is also rolling out the devolution programme and this is bearing fruits across the country.
“We want to see the country and every Zimbabwean developing.
“There is general appreciation of the economic challenges facing the nation and everyone is geared towards turning around the country’s economic fortunes,” he said.
Mr Mphambela said most of the infrastructural programmes that were initiated during TSP will be completed under NDS1.
“There is a target of creating more than 720 000 jobs under NDS1 and these jobs will not be in major cities only, but across the country. The economy should continuously grow,” he said.
A Mutare resident, Mr Kenneth Mlambo, said the outreach programme was an eye-opener as the people of Manicaland are now aware of what is expected of them in making NDS1 a success.
“I can assure you that they will be a lot of buy-in from the general populace of Zimbabwe when everyone feels they are part and parcel of the programme. If people are engaged at the lowest level this programme will be a huge success.
“Manicaland has a lot of resources and with this economic blueprint, we will definitely see changes in the way we do business. People in rural areas want to be economically empowered, but most of them lack basic knowledge on who to approach to ensure that they are financially empowered,” said Mr Mlambo.
He added: “For the past two years, we have been witnessing a lot of infrastructural development across the province, thanks to devolution. If more funds are availed for the devolution programme, miracles will be witnessed and our rural communities will never be the same again.”
Another resident, Mr Takudzwa Msabaeka, called for the maintenance of peace in the country.
“We are witnessing a lot of progress in the country and we should hail President Mnangagwa’s vision. We can achieve more if we are united as Zimbabweans. Our infrastructure needs to be developed. We should stand up and speak with one voice and support this national policy,” he said.
