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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HANSARD 30 OCTOBER 2024 VOL 51 NO 09
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 30th October, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
VISITORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to acknowledge the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of Members of staff from the Parliament of the Kingdom of Eswathini who are currently on a benchmarking visit to our Parliament. You are most welcome. [HON. MEMBERS, Hear, hear.]-
Again, I have to acknowledge the presence of students and teachers from Arcturus Secondary School in Goromonzi. You are most welcome. [HON. MEMBERS, Hear, hear.]-
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICE
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I wish to inform the House that there will be a Catholic Church service tomorrow 31st October, 2024 at 1200 hours, in Special Committee Room 1. All Members are invited and non-Catholic Members are welcome.
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have got a list of Hon. Ministers and Deputy Ministers who have sought leave of the House. Hon. Gen. Rtd. Dr. Chiwenga, Vice President; Hon. Col. Rtd. K. C. D. Mohadi, Vice President; Hon. K. Coventry, Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. E. Jesaya, Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. B. Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry; Hon. O.C.Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Defence; Hon. C. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Hon. Dinha, Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare; Hon. M. N. Ndlovu, Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. Y. Simbanegavi, Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development; Hon. M. Ncube, Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities; Hon. D. Marapira, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. The Acting Leader of Government Business is Hon. Dr. Masuka.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
*HON. NHARI: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs. What is Government policy concerning kombi drivers and those who are driving small cars called mushikashika? These people are continuously ferrying people from undesignated points in towns, which causes the police officers and city council officers to end up chasing them. This is causing accidents for both people and other cars. Thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL SETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I also want to thank the Hon. Member for raising this pertinent question. I think this question is directed to two ministries. The first one is the ministry which deals with law enforcement agents and the other one is the Ministry of Transport. Firstly, the issue is that there are cars which are allowed to ferry people and those cars are known. There are also other cars which are carrying people but they are not registered to do so, especially the mushikashika cars that carry people all around the town and carrying them from undesignated points.
The Government is in the process of installing cameras at all road blocks and all robots. They are expecting to increase more where they are going to capture the number plate of the car and the picture of the person. They also see who the owner of the car is and see whether the car is registered to ferry people or not. The Minister who is responsible for Home Affairs has got plans to make sure that this system is linked to the person and their bank details, including the National I. D. of the person. We do this so that when they cause trouble or breach the law, all the things will be centred into their personal accounts to the extent that the money can be deducted without your knowledge soon after you have committed an offence in the road or cause accidents by breaching the law for ferrying people.
We are encouraging all people to follow the law and as Zimbabweans, we must use transport that is registered to ferry people. Still on transport issue, ZUPCO and other bus operators are also being encouraged to increase the number of buses and cars to ferry people legally so that many people can get enough transport and so that they do not end up resorting to the mushikashika transport or drivers who ferry people from undesignated points. Long back, buses had timetables and people knew when to go at a bus stop. We encourage companies offering transport to make sure that all those things are followed.
*HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I also want to thank the Hon. Minister for that detailed response. Is it not possible for the public to take the number plates of those cars and make sure that they face the full wreath of the law, rather than chasing those cars because most of the time the police officers will be chasing these cars? Most of the chaos is being caused by this chasing that happens in towns.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I also want to thank the Hon. Member for the follow-up question. I firstly said that people who are engaging in mushikashika are chasing each other with the police officers. Most of the times, it causes accidents and some people end up dying during those accidents. So, I am encouraging everyone that let us follow all the laws. When the police officers try to catch these people, they run away and for police officers to desist from chasing people, we have come up with the cameras which are being installed so that the perpetrator is seen on the camera from the number plate and the driver, hence, summons will be sent to that responsible person causing chaos in the road. By so doing, we eliminate the issue of chasing each other between the police and the mushikashika in town.
*HON. KARENYI-KORE: Thank you Madam Speaker. My supplementary question on the police officers that are chasing people and the mushikashika vehicles is, what is the Government doing concerning those who are being hurt or dying during accidents when police officers are chasing the mushikashika cars? Most of these people are breadwinners. Most of the time, when they die, the issues of accidents might have been caused by the police officers. Is there any Government policy for compensation of those injured or those who died during the chase by the police officers? Most of the victims would have not breached any law but they are the victims of those who would be chasing each other. Is there any Government policy for the compensation for the children or spouses and the family which would have been left behind?
*HON. HAMAUSWA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
*HON. HAMAUSWA: I was looking at the questions which are being asked in this House. Can we give the Hon. Minister of Transport to answer these questions? Madam Speaker, police officers who are being assigned to arrest people, the places they are going to arrest people are the same places where they are going to look for transport …
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Hamauswa, it is the role of the Speaker of this House to refer questions to the Minister who is going to answer, which is me. The question which was asked was not directed to the Minister of Transport. So, we cannot say since the Minister has arrived, he must answer. The question is referred to the Minister of Home Affairs, hence we are going to allow the Minister who was responding to continue. Hon. Member, you can also come up with your question, which will be directed to the Minister of Transport so that you get your question answered properly.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My response was that, the people who would have boarded illegal transport operators’ vehicles, who are not licenced to ferry people, if they end up involved in accidents, what is the Government policy for compensation for the families which they are leaving behind in case of accident or death? The first thing is we must encourage people to desist from boarding vehicles from undesignated points or boarding cars which are not registered to ferry people. In the event that an accident happens, we must try to protect our lives by trying to reach our destinations safely. The Government has a third-party insurance and it is under many companies but they do not assist those who would have been involved in accidents. How best can we be able to make sure that funds that are being remitted by people help the accident victims?
We see that most of the times when accidents happen, most victims are being taken to different hospitals by ambulances but to the owners of mushikashika who are on third-party insurance, there are no claims which are being done. We are encouraging all Zimbabweans that we must board buses or cars which are registered for the purpose of ferrying people.
*HON. S. TSHUMA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for the response. The cars which are ferrying people from undesignated points, we see them ferrying three people where only one person must occupy. Most of these cars are passing through roadblocks. What is Government policy in making sure that these cars do not pass roadblocks?
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am going to allow the Minister of Transport to respond to that question.
*THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to thank Hon. Tshuma for raising the pertinent question. Following up all the questions that were being asked in this House, I see that the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Home Affairs must work hand in glove. This means that some questions will be directed to the Ministry of Home Affairs while the other questions will be directed to the Ministry of Transport.
The question which has been asked lastly is directed to the police officers because they are the ones who are supposed to make sure that those who are ferrying people from undesignated points are arrested and are the ones responsible for the roadblocks. However, I am going to answer the question. I also want to thank Hon. Masuka for answering the question. He was also answering perfectly for questions which were being asked either directed to the Minister of Home Affairs and also Ministry of Transport.
Madam Speaker, if we do not have enough transport, we will find that most people just board any transport, especially for the urban transport system which is the responsibility of Local Government. We are going to work together as three Ministries to make sure that we are going to have more buses which ferry more people so that when people are moving from one place to another, they are going to use registered transport. They are not focusing on the private cars which are not allowed to carry people. We are also going to use small trains to ferry people. That is what we are going to work on as Government. We also thank you Hon. Members for emphasising that. People must desist from using private cars because the mushikashika cars are carrying three to four people in a bid to provide transport although it is not allowed. As Ministry of Transport and as Government, we will continue to work and make sure that we get more ways of providing enough transport.
*HON. MANGONDO: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is on the people who are illegally settling themselves in areas, especially at resettlement farms where people have been allocated farms. These people are disturbing those who are legally settled to execute their duties properly. The question is directed to the Minister of Lands and I am glad he is the Leader of Business in the House today.
What is Government policy to end this menace which is spreading throughout the country where people are illegally settling themselves? In A1s and A2s, there are no grazing lands because people are resettling themselves without authority. Some of them are changing boundaries on their own. This is now affecting those with title deeds who are approaching the courts to remove these people but they are failing. This process is hindering farming, what is the Government policy to resolve this issue?
*THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL SETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you Madam Speaker for the pertinent questions asked by Hon. Mangondo. Yes, Government is committed to make sure that all laws are followed by each and every Zimbabwean. There are laws which have to do with settling people in different areas and those laws must be observed by each and every Zimbabwean. The Zimbabwe Commission Act states that no one is allowed to settle himself/herself without being given the authority to do so.
The Hon. Member is saying that the issue of settling themselves is now an issue that is happening everywhere, where people are settling themselves at A1, A2 or on grazing areas. Hence, we are pleading that when these things are happening, they must rush and report to the Provincial Lands Committee, District Lands Officer and the Commission. We have come up with a devolution process to make sure that when these issues are happening in these areas, the responsible offices or officers must be notified.
The District Administrator (DA) is going to work with JOC to make sure that all the laws of settling people are being followed. The law clearly states that it is unlawful to settle yourself, hence the law speaks to itself. Let us help each other to make sure we are following protocols and make sure that no one is going to settle himself or herself.
Most people are now settling themselves and it is now sprouting from resettled areas to the rural areas. There is a Communal Lands Act and all other laws which work against the issue of illegal settlements. Persons who illegally settle themselves are breaching the law and they must be arrested. He also added that there are people who have misunderstandings pertaining to the issue of boundaries. When we were allocating land, we used some natural things like trees to mark boundaries, if that tree is cut down, it is difficult to then locate the boundaries.
The boundaries which are currently there have been put twenty years ago. We have now engaged the Surveyor General to mark the boundaries. We are going to work with the Surveyor General together with the Department of Lands. We are now going to issue permits because we now have Global Positioning System (GPS) in place. We are now going to give GPS positions when allocating land so that a person can see if they have reached their boundary, whether there is a peg or no peg.
The Zimbabwe Lands Commission which is working as an Independent Commission has a responsibility of making sure that there is harmony and peace, they act as negotiators in dispute resolution on the issue of boundaries in these farms. Most of the issues that are being brought forward by the Land Commission are issues of boundary disputes. I do not understand the issue of deeds but the issue of civil – I did not get the speaker correctly. Those title deeds if they are approaching the Civil Courts and fail to remove those who have illegally settled in farms, must be able to notify the leadership from the bottom so that we can be able to help at national level.
*HON. MANGONDO: I want to thank the Hon Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Settlement for the responses. I want to highlight to the Minister that, yes, laws are there and Government Departments are there, which have a mandate to do this job. There is Lands Expectorate of the Police which is helping the Minister together with the Ministry. There is also Lands Commission which is working together with the Ministry. All those things are there but the problem is still not rectified and it is spreading.
My question is, what is being done by the Government to make sure that the issue of illegal settlements ends because all these Government departments that are there are failing to resolve this issue? I thank you.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I also want to thank the Hon. Member for seeking clarity. Laws are there and they clearly mention that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Settlement is responsible for making sure that rules are being followed. The Lands officers are going to make sure that the land is being allocated lawfully. If you go to the Lands office requesting them to come and evict the person who has settled on a farm unlawfully, you are approaching a wrong office. It is the duty of the police department to sue those illegal settlers. Hence, there is need for people to go and report to the police that there are people who are illegally settling themselves so that the police officers go and arrest them.
The land inspectorate section is another department which is under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Settlement that is there to make sure that the job is being done properly. We have seen that most people threaten Lands officers when they visit their farms. We have four groups working in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Settlement. We have also engaged the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Air Force, ZRP, the President Department and Prisons to have a joint operation command to help the Hon. Minister to make sure that the lands officer is able to reach the place where the illegal settlers are settled.
*HON. SAGANDIRA: Thank you Madam President. In rural areas the Chinese are going there to settle themselves near rivers and say we want to establish a cement plant. They also stay in the grazing areas which is not allowed. If asked, they say we have been told to do that by high offices. What is Government policy on Chinese people who are just settling where they want? – [AN HON. MEMBER: Haisi supplementary iyoyo] -
*THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL RESETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): I want to thank the Hon. Member for his question. I however would respond as follows. These are not our nationals, meaning that this question is a specific question. He must give us evidence so that we can look into the matter in detail. I thank you.
*HON. SAMAMBWA: I want to thank the Hon. Minister for his response. In resettlement areas people are just settling, I am told this is caused by the sabhukus. Do they have authority to settle people because they are the major culprits for this?
*HON. DR. MASUKA: I thank the Hon. Member for his question. Let me explain how land is distributed. Ever since the Land Resettlement Exercise, we gave the task of allocating land to the relevant authorities at provincial level. In 2014, all the A2 land were being allocated by the Minister. Then A1 continued to be handled by the province. In 2019, the Zimbabwe Land Commission Act states that the Minister of Lands is the only authorised person to allocate land to the people. This means that all those that are giving out land are doing it illegally. Those who were given offer letters are the ones that we are giving legal documents that have been signed for by the Minister.
For those who are issuing land, some do it because they do not know, some do it for being mischievous and many reasons. So, if you bring evidence, this will help us because I conduct meetings monthly with Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution. We also discuss about land issues because the Ministers of State, Provincial Affairs and Devolution are the Chairpersons of Provincial Lands Committees in each and every province. So, if you have evidence and the province where this is happening, we will meet and discuss with the Provincial, District Lands Committee and our officers. We will then be able to investigate and come up with a solution. We must spread the correct information and we must advise illegal settlers before they start to build a home. I thank you.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, please be advised that there are no more supplementary questions, three supplementary questions have been asked already.
HON. NYABANI: On a point of order Madam Speaker Ma’am.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
*HON. NYABANI: Madam Speaker, the issue of land is a very important issue in rural areas. I am asking for permission that you increase the number of supplementary questions to six.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Nyabani. You ask a new question but it must have relevance to the previous question.
*HON. NYABANI: The question has already been asked Madam Speaker Ma’am.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: You cannot ask that question now but you will ask the question later.
*HON. MAJAYA: My question goes to the Minister of Health and Child Care; Government workers are contributing Health Insurance every month. When they get sick, they are not receiving help because most healthcare providers are refusing to accept Premier Service Medical Aid Scheme. What is the Government doing to make sure that when civil servants fall sick, they are assisted by healthcare providers?
*MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL RESETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. As Government, we value the wellbeing of our civil servants. If they are healthy, they will be able to give service delivery to the nation. We all know that we once had a problem with the medical aid society. The Government then had to make sure that there is corporate governance in medical aid society. The Government later found out that although there were huge sums of money that were paid, the service providers were not paid. The Government now is in the process of paying Public Service Medical Aid Society so that the society can resume its operations well. We have the Hon. Minister of Finance, Economic and Investment Promotion, with your indulgence Hon. Speaker, I will now give him the floor so that he can enlighten the House how far they have gone with this issue.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Let me now ask the Hon. Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to assist us on that issue – [HON. MEMBERS: Vanga vakarara] – Hon. Acting Leader of Government nosiness, please explain to him what you would like him to answer.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am. May I be allowed to go and consult so that I bring a comprehensive report? I thank you.
+HON. MAJAYA: We would like to request the Hon. Minister to tell us when the Ministerial Statement is going to come.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Majaya. May you please put your question in writing? [HON. MEMEBRS: Inaudible interjections] - You are not seated on the Chair, why do you want to chair from where you are seated? May you wait for your time to come then you will be able to chair? Hon. Majaya, please put your question in writing so that the Hon. Minister will go and research and bring a comprehensive report.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Madam Speaker. The issue of PSMAS has been a thorn in the flesh to our civil servants for a very long time. Under normal circumstances, Government is supposed to pay 80% of the contribution where the civil servants pay 20%. The challenge that we have is that Government is not remitting its 80%. So, no service provider would like to provide for service where no payment has been made. In 2022 Madam Speaker…
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: And the question?
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Yes, I am getting to the question now. Government bailed PSMI to the tune of 4 billion Zimbabwean dollars which was equivalent to seven hundred thousand United States Dollars. How far has that $700 000 gone to facilitate or revamp the medical aid clinic facilities of PSMI?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Madzivanyika and that is a specific question. Please may you put it in writing? - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
+HON. NKOMO: Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am. My question is directed to the Minster of Health and Child Care. We have big hospitals in our country which do not have cold rooms in their mortuaries. This affects the situation in mortuaries. What is Government planning to do in order to address this problem?
THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL RESETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): I want to thank the Hon. Member for her pertinent question. Over the past four to five years, Government has put resources into improving the general provisions of health service from primary healthcare up to the national level but not every corner of the country has been touched. Obviously where cases such as this where mortuaries do not have the cold facilities to enable us to retrieve bodies of loved ones and give them a more decent burial, it is disconcerting and concerning for everyone. We may all lobby for more resources to be able to complete this work that is underway. Government is doing its best with the resources that are available.
May I also suggest Madam Speaker, that because the Hon. Member has raised these issues, she might probably be very specific on the location at which this is happening and I would request that information be availed so that we can request the relevant Ministry to see in the priority list where this side is in terms of resources. Thank you.
*HON. KASHAMBE: Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am. My question is directed to the Minister of Local Government, in his absence I will direct the question to the Leader of Government Business. The question is related to a question which was alluded to earlier regarding people who are settling themselves illegally in peri-urban areas. There is a programme which was launched by the President where he was giving title deeds to people in Epworth and the regularisation of the programme. I want to find out where we are as a nation at the moment regarding the regularisation of such people because people are getting eviction orders despite the fact that they have been staying in those areas for the past 20 years or so.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am. The President, having noted that there are people who were illegally settled in these areas for a long time, decided that they should be given title deeds and they need to have proper papers. The regularisation of such stands is important and the issue of human dignity should be addressed. The Hon. Minister is the Chairperson for the committee which is responsible for regularisation of such residential areas, for example, in Epworth there are a few people who were given title deeds but we were told in the meeting that we held recently that there are eleven thousand title deeds which have been distributed and that the team is now going to Caledonia and other new residential suburbs. So we want to request that whilst we are working on these areas, then the Hon. Member should avail such information so that Government has information of people who have been there for 20 years in these areas and if it has been ascertained that this is so, then we will need to find out why they are being given eviction notices despite the fact that Government has been regularising such areas. I thank you.
*HON. KASHAMBE: I want to thank the Hon. Minister for such a response. I want to start by saying that we have areas like Nyatsime in Mashonaland East, Lindhurst in Mash East, Bromley, Domboshava and there is a tussle between the City council and Mash East where Harare is evicting people who fall under Mash East…
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Kashambe. That is enough Hon. Member.
*HON. A. GUMBO: Thank you Hon. Speaker.
*HON. KASHAMBE: Point of Order Madam Speaker.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Minister has heard you, Hon. Kashambe. You are going to meet him and submit the names.
*HON. A. GUMBO: Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to direct my question to the Leader of Government Business. What is Government planning to do about correcting the complaints that we have been hearing from countries like Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique where there are complaints that there is a corrupt party which is known for corruption in elections – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Order Hon. Gumbo! Order! I said order! Hon. Gumbo, when I say order, I want you to sit down – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Hon. Gumbo, may we have order? You are out of order. I will not let you speak on issues in the social media.
HON. GUMBO: Which section says that I am out of order?
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I will not allow you to ask that question. Please take this august House seriously Hon. Member. You are not giving it the respect it deserves. This is an honourable House. The words that you used are not parliamentary and they are not allowed in this august House. I am not giving you the opportunity Hon. Member.
HON. GUMBO: Tell me which rule of this august House?
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Gumbo sit down. We do not bring social media issues to this august House. May you take a seat Hon. Member? We do not want such issues here.
You cannot ask such a question here. May you go and ask it where it can be asked? This is an august House with laws, with rules – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Hon. Gumbo, please may you leave the House.
+HON. NYATHI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to direct my question to the Minister of Industry and Commerce. Bulawayo is known as the hub of industry in Zimbabwe. Bulawayo is strategically positioned close to Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. That is why the National Railways of Zimbabwe was headquartered in Bulawayo, which shows that Bulawayo was an industrial hub where tyres, parts and other things were assembled.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, this is not the time to debate but ask your question.
+HON. NYATHI: My question is, what plans does Government have in terms of rescuscitating Bulawayo as a business hub, particularly looking at the State of the Nation Address which was given by the President? He said that it is important to restore Bulawayo as an industrial hub. That is why I mentioned such areas so that I jog our memories of what Bulawayo was. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL RESETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Madam Speaker Ma’am, I thank the Hon. Member for the very pertinent question. Indeed Bulawayo, the City of Kings and Queens, historically and geographically, it is the engine in terms of business for the country and appropriately entities such as NRZ have headquarters there. Sadly because of the economic downturn brought about by sanctions – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – because we had undertaken the revolutionary step to reclaim our heritage. These sanctions also visited at the behest of others among us. This is the consequence of such actions that the generality of Zimbabweans have been affected, many are out of work. CSC used to employ 5 000 people now it is operating at 10% capacity in Bulawayo. Consequently, many people in Bulawayo, many youths that are to be employed, cannot find employment. It is something that we must collectively do and the President was right in his SONA to indicate his Government’s intention to reindustrialise Bulawayo. The Minister of Industry and Commerce, two weeks ago, presented the Zimbabwe Industry Revival Plan which will carry us to NDS2 – 2026 to 2030 in which he envisaged some very quick wins. In it, he highlights about value chains and among them cotton, spinning, weaving and clothing in Bulawayo. We look forward to that value chain being resuscitated. He highlights leather and we look forward to the resuscitation of that, Mutapa Fund which now superintends over CSC. It is seized with resuscitation of CSC so that it can play its rightful role and we can reindustrialise Bulawayo.
We are also seized as Government, in providing, assisting the City of Bulawayo to provide the requisite services inclusive of water, to ensure that when this industrialisation happens, the services would be available. Madam Speaker Ma’am, I want to assure the Member that Government knows the importance of having Bulawayo reestablished as the industrial hub of Zimbabwe and it takes all of us to see it in this manner and that we stop recklessness that might affect the industrialisation. Thank you Madam Speaker.
+HON. NYATHI: Madam Speaker, I remember in 2018, the President of the country, when I was in South Africa, that was in 2018, he said there was going to be revamping of industries in Bulawayo. This is 2024, we are talking about something that was said in 2018. Is there a timeframe that you can give to us so that at least we track to say you said in this specific time, you are going to do such things? Can the Minister kindly clarify on the timeframe that you are promising this august House that you are going to undertake those projects? Thank you.
HON. DR. MASUKA: Industrialisation is already happening. We have one of the biggest bread making companies, it was opened two months ago. We have the clothing factories beginning to work, we have Tregers and many more. We have NRZ whose plans are at an advanced stage in terms of what they hope to do to resuscitate industry. If the Hon. Member has additional ideas to accelerate this industrialisation, he is welcome. Thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Madam Speaker, I am concerned about the continued blame on sanctions as a cause for lack of industrialisation in this country. The question therefore Madam Speaker, is which sanctions ……
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Order, Hon. Madzivanyika! Ask your question, the issue which is on the floor.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: The Hon. Minister indicated that we could not industrialise because of sanctions. The essence of a supplementary to find clarity on that issue which he says is causing challenges in terms of industrialisation and that is where my question is. I am saying there is a school of thought that sanctions regime was targeting – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – my question Madam Speaker is, if the sanctions are targeted how does ….
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Sanctions are not targeted, sanctions are affecting all of us.
HON. MAPFUMO: Thank you Madam Speaker. My point of order is that, it is high time that this august House passes into law that any citizen of Zimbabwe who dismisses the presence of illegal sanctions and their effects should be considered treasonous.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon, you are right. I support you and you are very right on that. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- May we have order in the House and Hon. Madzivanyika, may you please take your seat?
HON. DR. KHUPE: On a point of order Madam Speaker. Before I raise my point of order, as we were going around during public hearings, one of the participants in Mt. Darwin said to us, we do not have electricity but I have saved my battery so that I listen to question time on ZBC because I want to listen to the Question and Answer Session on Wednesday. He said the problem that he had is that most of the time you will be making noise. So, can you please minimise noise in this House so that people out there benefit from this Question and Answer session? My point of order is that the Hon. Member is asking and he is saying sanctions are targeted. I think give the Minister an opportunity to explain so that people understand.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Khupe, you are right on that but the sanctions are not targeted. So, I agree that there are sanctions but they are not targeted.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: I want to help the Hon. Member to understand Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Madzivanyika, I will give you time to ask your question but if you say sanctions are targeted, I will not allow you to say that because I am being affected by sanctions, but I am not on the sanctions list. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]-
An Hon. Member with a pink jacket having stood up
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member with a pink jacket, please take your seat.
HON. RUNGWAVE: I have a point of order before Hon. Madzivanyika speaks. Hon. Chokururama should withdraw his statement when he said you are radiated idiots.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Chokururama, did you say that? – [AN HON. MEMBER: Inaudible interjection.]- Hon. Chokururama, can you withdraw that statement? You have to be sensitive.
HON. CHOKURURAMA: Why should I withdraw, I did not say that?
Hon. Chokururama having approached the Chair and four Hon. Members on the left side of the House having been making a lot of noise by beating the tables
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: The four Hon. Members at the back, please may you leave the House. – [AN HON. MEMBER: Anobuda kana aita withdraw. Ngaaite withdraw, then tinobudawo.] – Imimi budai mune mhosva yenyu yekuridza machair munomu – [AN HON. MEMBER: Chokururama must first withdraw then topiwa punishment, tobuda. Withdraw Chokururama.] – Imimi budai. Hon. Chokururama, may we have order. Please take your seat hounourable.
*HON. CHOKURURAMA: Thank you Madam Speaker. For the words that I said regarding Hon. Khupe, it is because our President is good hearted. He sacrificed to offer treatment to Hon. Dr. Khupe – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Please, give him time to explain – [HON. MEMBERS: That is not good. He is being mischievous.] –
HON. DR. KHUPE: Madam Speaker, I am the former Deputy Prime Minister and I was entitled to what I was given by Government because I am the Former Deputy Prime Minister. So, he must not take advantage of this and tell me that – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*HON. CHOKURURAMA: I withdraw my words Madam Speaker. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: The four Hon. Members, please may you leave the House? Hon. Members, please may you leave the House? – [HON. MEMBERS: Tinobuda.] – Leave the House because you cannot beat drums in this august House. Leave the House Hon. Members! The four Hon. Members, budai – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – [AN HON. MEMBER: I will leave the House, but I do not know my crime.] – May we have order in the House Hon. Members? The Hon. Members that I told to leave the House, leave! I can see they are still in here. May you leave the House?
HON. MUROMBEDZI: Madam Speaker, I have a point of privilege.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of privilege?
HON. MUROMBEDZI: Thank you Madam Speaker. October is well known as breast cancer month and Hon. Dr. Khupe actually raised a cancer motion in this House. I am requesting this House to set up a privileges Committee to investigate the Hon. Member and see – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I hear you Hon. Member, but I have asked him to withdraw and he has already withdrawn. Myself, I apologised to Hon. Khupe on his behalf – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – *Hon. Members. Please sit down so that we can continue with the business of the House. Hon. Chokururama has withdrawn and I asked for forgiveness to Hon. Khupe on his behalf. That is my ruling and it is final. Let us continue with the business of the House. There is no need for any committee. The Hon. Member has withdrawn his words and I have apologised to Hon. Khupe – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My supplementary question goes, if 14 people are under sanctions, does that mean that Zimbabwe as a country and the 18 million – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: No, Hon. Members. May we allow the Minister to respond to that?
THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL SETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to respond to this unfortunate misunderstanding and misconception about sanctions. Sanctions were imposed in the early 2000 and to simply gloss over and indicate the current status is ignoring the context that when sanctions were imposed, when we took the land, these were across all the sectors. In agriculture, all lines of credit were closed, all markets were closed.
CSC which employed 5000 people in Bulawayo could not export 1 900 metric tonnes of their quota simply because of sanctions – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – This is reality. When you want a payment to be effected into your account – many of us have experienced that, you cannot transfer money because Zimbabwe is listed as being under sanctions and not just an individual.
When SADC on the 25th of October, recognised that an injury to one is an injury to all and put a day aside to collectively call for the removal of sanctions, they had seen the negative impacts, not only in Zimbabwe but the spillover effects in their countries. Then we have a Zimbabwean who still has not seen the impact. I hope that the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will be able to avail to this august House, additional information and material that was used for the anti-sanctions day so that we can all be more educated about the deleterious effects of sanctions on every aspect of our lives –[ HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – and our hope that these sanctions would be removed sooner rather than later so that Zimbabwe, like any other nation, can begin to stand and aspire independently to develop using its own developmental path without the cohesion of sanctions. I thank you Madam Speaker – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
HON. MUTOKONYI: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is directed to the Hon. Minister of Energy and Power Development. I would like to applaud the Hon. Minister for the rapid Rural Electrification Programmes that have been happening and are still ongoing in the country.
My question to the Hon. Minister Madam Speaker is; given the power challenges that the country is witnessing, what is the Ministry doing to ensure that we minimise the reaction time on the faults that the country is also witnessing? We have seen quite a number of areas with faults which are unattended for over a week, yet the power is only coming maybe only for the twelve hours of the day. What is the Ministry doing to ensure that we quickly get restoration or attention to the faults given the rainy season coming through? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Thank you very much Madam Speaker. Thank you very much to the Hon. Member who raised the question. I want to say special thanks to the recognition of the role that Rural Electrification Administration (REA), through Rural Electrification Fund (REF) is playing in terms of grid expansion in the rural areas and increasing access through various technologies like even Mini grids.
Coming to the power challenges and the reaction time for the attendance of those challenges or blackouts, the frequency of blackouts has increased. First as a result of the old and antiquated equipment in units 1 to 6 in Hwange which we are working on where we have signed a deal with a company from India – Jindal, who are going to start on the repowering exercise beginning early next year. That is one way of reducing the frequency of those blackouts.
Secondly, we are getting into the rainy season where we experience lightning, wind - our infrastructure is going to be affected. We have been talking of a strategy on how to quickly respond to that. I am sure in some areas, you already know that we now have chat groups, so there is quick reporting to the relevant offices for a quick reaction.
However, in some cases, it is not possible to quickly respond to those blackouts as a result of vandalism of the equipment which then will have to be tendered out and then replaced. The more we work on reducing the incidents of vandalism on the equipment, the better for us all. We have created chat groups in different management areas so that ZETDC is quickly informed of those challenges. Then reaction is quickly instituted. I thank you.
HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you very much Hon. Minister. Also, on the issue of the energy mix, the Zimbabwe Renewable Energy policy, I am sure when I read it sometime, it stated that we should have achieved about 16.5% of the energy mix of other sources of energy by 2025.
What is the status regarding the energy mix, particularly on the renewable energy? I thank you.
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you very much Madam Speaker and thank you very much for the supplementary question. We are trying to increase and we hope we are on the right track on the contribution to our energy mix of solar. There are a lot of projects which are currently being developed. Some of them have been commissioned. I can talk about captive solar projects by Zimplats, Centre Grid and many others, Dilson included, that have come to relieve pressure on the national grid.
So, if you put that together, it represents quite a significant contribution of solar into the national mix. There is also a programme that we are working on through Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) and as council of ministers which is a bi-national body bringing together Zambia and Zimbabwe. We have commissioned a study which is being financed by AFDB to look at the viability of floating solar systems on Lake Kariba. That is ongoing and it is our timeline that by the first quarter of 2025, that feasibility study will be complete and then that will help us to commence works on floating solar systems on lake Kariba.
There are other programmes also on floating solar systems on Lake Kariba which are going to begin early next year. So, these are some of the things we are doing. Coming to renewable energy, there is also wind. For wind, we have a company that has been putting up a mast in Mashonaland Central and it has run course of 18 months for the testing to profile the wind density in that area. That has been completed and ground breaking for that project is going to happen before the end of this year. The developer has assured us that they are happy with the wind density, and that they are going to be starting on construction.
The other area is on nuclear. As Zimbabwe, we have expressed our interest to the International Atomic Energy Agency of our desire to get into nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. They are with us and they are taking us through. Committees have been set up, which are looking into that and there are milestones that we have to meet as a country before we get to the stage of developing small modular reactors so that our contribution of clean energy mix is heightened. So, we hope these are some of the things, programmes and projects which are going to increase our contribution to the energy mix of clean energy.
HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you Hon. Minister for such a comprehensive response. My question is, given the impact of energy shortage in businesses, what is the Ministry doing to support economic recovery through energy supply. Is there any plan to prioritise energy supply to essential services and industries? I thank you.
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you Hon. Speaker and I thank the Hon. Member for the supplementary question. Yes, the impact of the supply demand gap is not only limited to industry but it is limited to a number of other areas including agriculture, households and many others. Understandably so, we have been affected by the drought, Lake Kariba is a very critical asset in the power production process because that is the area where we use to balance power. It is where we are able to ramp up production of supply or reduce so that we can maintain a balance in the power supply. So, the issue of drought has really affected us and the impact is high. However, to reduce the impact and to ensure that we supply those areas that cannot supply themselves, we have asked Ferrochrome Smelters to develop their own generation so that by the end of 2025, they are able to supply themselves.
If I may, for the benefit of this House, you may know that our mining sector is consuming 20% of all the power that we generate in the country and that is quite significant and we are saying that most of them have the capacity to develop their own power generation systems and therefore we have asked to do that. They have agreed and we have signed an agreement that by the end of next year, we should have done that. We are also encouraging even industry and some of them have done it, I know PPC in Bulawayo has done that. Lancet Mine in Gwanda has done it and several other establishments, Schweppes here in Harare has done it and many other establishments. So, to reduce the impact, we are encouraging industry and all other intensive energy users to develop their own projects so that at the end of the day, we do not suffer the losses that come about as a result of prolonged black outs. We discourage the use of generators but rather we would encourage people to put up roof tops so that they are also assisted. We want to encourage citizens in the country to make sure that they use gas for cooking. Gas is not very expensive, it is manageable. So, these are some of the ways that we can help ourselves with.
We also have developed an energy efficiency policy which seeks to encourage the people of Zimbabwe to use energy efficiently. In some of the cases where you find that people are saying power is expensive, it is not really that it is expensive, it is because of the equipment that they are using which is not energy efficient. You will find that in a situation where mega juice like currently the average that the country is using in industry is 15 mega juice, it is too high per unit of production. The average in the region is 3.4 mega juice. So, we are also encouraging people, through that energy efficiency policy, to relook at their equipment and make sure that they are using energy efficiency equipment. There are companies in the country, private sector companies which can come and install the necessary gadgets to ensure that there is energy efficiency use in the industry. I thank you.
*HON. MUDUMI: I thank you. My question is directed to the Minister of Industry and Commerce. What is Government plan regarding the cost of manufacturing? If those who manufacture tiles here in Zimbabwe are made to pay duty when exporting, why is it that the tiles that are coming from other countries like Zambia coming to Zimbabwe are not asked to pay duty? This puts a lot of pressure to the Government looking at issues of foreign currency.
*MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL RESETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you Hon. Speaker, I thank the Hon. Member for the question. The Ministry of Finance is the one that overseas that. He has left but he is in a better position to answer. Government policy is that whatever we manufacture in this country must be sold at a price that will make it competitive wherever the products will be exported to. He talked about tiles and this is specific, it is a question that I would need to discuss with the Minister of Industry and Commerce and the Minister of Finance. If this is happening, then we will have to look at this so that we will be able to have a solution.
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAUNGANIDZE): Hon. Member, you are required to put your question in writing so that the Hon. Minister will be able to investigate properly.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: My question is directed to the Hon. Minister of Youth Empowerment. Given the impact of the recent times, devaluation on Empower Bank’s capital and the erosion of value in this lending programmes, what measures is the bank implementing to safeguard its capital base? I thank you.
MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL RESETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I thank the Hon. Member for the question. The youth constitute a very important part of the population and with the current Government thrust throughout the whole tertiary education ecosystem to ensure that we train entrepreneurs and not employment seekers, it means that the functioning youth bank is an inevitable part on the transformation that Government seeks. So any under capitalisation of the Empower Bank will naturally negatively impact not only Government plans to accelerate the involvement of youth and promote entrepreneurship, but it is something that Government would want to respond to by ensuring that as we go into 2025, I know that last week, even in Bulawayo, there was lots of discussion regarding Empower Bank and that it should be adequately resourced alongside the Women’s Bank so that these two critical institutions can play their fundamental catalytic role in the transformation of the economy that we seek.
As agriculture, we have also tried to capacitate Empower Bank, we have given them tractors to the youth and I hope this will complement the current effort in ensuring that this bank, vital as it is on the transformation of an important demographic segment of our population, is sufficiently capitalised going forward. I also urge Members of this august House, when the budget is discussed next month, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion will be bringing a budget and in it there will be a bid by the Ministry of Youth and I urge Members to encourage more resources to be deployed to this vital institution.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Thank you very much, I do not think the Hon. Minister answered my question, maybe I should repeat it for a better answer. My question was on the capital base, how is the Ministry putting measures to safeguard its capital base in line with the devaluation of currency? I thank you.
HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you very much, maybe he could not clearly understand what he meant. For the benefit of myself that the currency movement has naturally affected the capital base of Empower Bank and the question then is, what is the Ministry doing to preserve that value? That seems the macro-economic conditions determine the capital base, and in this instance, there has been an exchange rate adjustment. Madam Speaker, the questioner wants me to proffer a view as to how the capital base has been eroded and based on that, to say how is the Ministry going to respond. This now is a very specific aspect that says we must first determine the extent to which this currency adjustment has impacted the Empower Bank. Secondly, when we find that it is a substantial negative impact, we must say what is the Ministry going to do. I find these not as a general policy question but rather a very specific question for which a very specific answer would be proffered and I would appreciate the Member to put this in writing. Thank you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAUNGANIDZE). Thank you, Hon. Minister. Hon. Tsvangirai can you please put your question in writing so that you get a detailed response?
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order No. 68.
HON. KARIKOGA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: What is your point or order?
*HON. KARIKOGA: Thank you. We want the peace that is prevailing in this House to continue now that the cameras have been removed by ZBC. It is my plea Madam Speaker that the other side of the divide, if they are taught to respect the people in the communities that wait for these Parliamentary sessions once every week, it would be important. I thank you.
HON. MUSHORIWA: On a point of Order Madam Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mushoriwa there is no point of order.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
BENEFITS FOR BINGA PEOPLE FROM THE LAKE KARIBA HYDRO ELECTRICTY
- HON. CUMANZALA asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to explain to the House why Binga people are not enjoying the benefits of having the Lake Kariba Hydro Electrical Power station, considering that they gave way to the construction of the Lake.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Thank you very much Hon. Speaker. The Zambezi River Authority as the implementing arm of the Kariba Dam set up the Zambezi Valley Development Fund (ZVDF) in 1997 to finance the implementation of sustainable infrastructural and developmental projects meant to alleviate the impact of the displacement of the Tonga/Kore Kore people on both sides of the Zambezi River in Zambia and Zimbabwe. These are the communities which were displaced during the construction of the Kariba Dam.
The Zambezi Valley Development Fund has funded various infrastructural and developmental projects which include:
- Procurement and restoration of grinding mills
- Sinking of boreholes
- Construction of schools and houses for support staff in respective project sites
- Construction of clinics and houses for support staff in respective project sites
- Construction and rehabilitation irrigation schemes
- Supply of medical equipment
- Construction of bridges
- Rehabilitation of dams
- Rehabilitation of water reticulation systems.
Some of these projects have been implemented in Binga, Hurungwe, Gokwe North and Kariba districts.
Additionally, Rural Electrification Fund with a mandate of electrifying rural institutions has over the years done electrification projects in Binga district. Projects completed under Siabuwa line include four chiefs, four clinics, 11 primary schools, five secondary schools, two business centres and Ministry of Transport houses.
However, the Siabuwa line had been down for a long time and repairs could not be done due to financial constraints at ZETDC to secure materials, labour and transport. Despite these constraints, ZETDC has been working on these lines and to date have covered about 20 km of the estimated 60km line. ZETDC has seen improvement in resource availability and expect to finish the line by end of December 2024.
17 projects are planned under the Lusulu line and expected to tap from the Lusulu feeder which is currently down, and repairs are underway and expected to be finished by mid-year 2025.
TABLE 1: PROJECTS PLANNED FOR BINGA DISTRICT 2024
|
NAME |
CATEGORY |
COMMENT |
|
Siachilaba |
Clinic |
Completed |
|
Samende |
Secondary School |
Planned, ACE approved, Binga Feeder OK |
|
Mulambe |
Primary school |
Completed, Siabuwa Backbone down |
|
Lunga |
Primary School |
Planned, Solar project |
|
Dobola |
Chief |
Planned, Ace approved, Binga Feeder Ok |
|
Chinengo |
Secondary school |
Planned, ACE approved, Binga Feeder Ok |
|
Mabobolo |
Primary School |
In progress, Binga Feeder Ok |
|
Mabobolo |
Secondary School |
In progress, Binga Feeder Ok |
|
Binga |
Chief |
Planned, Ace approved, Binga Feeder Ok |
|
Bulawayo Kraal |
Secondary school |
Planned, Ace Approved, Binga Feeder Ok |
|
Zambezi |
Secondary School |
Planed, Ace Approved, Binga Feeder Ok |
|
Zambezi |
Clinic |
Planned, Ace approved, Binga Feeder Ok, |
So, these are ongoing projects that are being worked on.
Rural Electrification Fund (REF) projects planned for Binga rollout for 2025.
|
Name |
Category |
Comment |
|
Katere |
Primary School |
ACE Approved, Binga Feeder OK |
|
Katete |
Secondary School |
Binga Feeder OK |
|
Sikalenge |
Chief |
Binga Feeder OK |
|
Chabwindi |
Primary School |
Siabuwa line down |
|
Sinampande |
Clinic |
Siabuwa line down |
|
Lubu |
Primary School |
Binga Feeder OK |
|
Lubu |
Secondary School |
Binga Feeder OK |
|
Lubu |
Business Centre |
Bing Feeder OK |
|
Gwatagwata |
Primary School |
Lusulu Feeder down |
|
Gwatagwata |
Business Centre |
Lisulu Feeder down |
On the fishing camps, fishing camps are treated as private commercial activities and the owners will have to contribute towards the electrification of their premises. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
HON. CUMANZALA: Supplementary question Madam Speaker. I would like to start by appreciating the response that I got from the Minister concerning the question that I raised. However, there are two issues here. The first issue is how Binga or the Zambezi combined communities are benefiting from the Zambezi River Authority initiative, that is the Zambezi River Development Funds, which is appreciated but I wish the Minister could indicate where some of those projects that he mentioned are located in those specific districts. I am very familiar with Hurungwe, Kariba, Binga and Hwange.
Then the second issue has to do with the power supply itself. The people of Binga have, for many years, not been benefiting from the electricity itself in the sense that it is only along the tarred road where you find electricity and of course, it now branches to Pashu and the Karirangwe route.
Yes, the Minister referred to one of the areas which is Lusulu and Chapuwa. The Minister referred to this as being down but from my knowledge, these power lines never operated since construction and it has been for many years now, maybe about 10 years. The poles are down, the copper cables are down. It is fortunate that most of our people do not steal, should I say otherwise they could have vandalised the poles and the copper line but they have been down for a long time now.
Maybe the Minister could explain the reasons why these have been down for this long and what plans are in place to make sure that those areas are covered by electricity because this is where the majority of the schools are. This is where the majority of the population lives. The clinics which are in those areas have no electricity. The schools have no electricity. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you very much Hon. Member for the supplementary question. First of all, let me begin from the end on why some of these lines, not only in Binga but elsewhere in the country have not been live for a long time.
The major reason has been resource constraints. You may like to know that for the last 15 years until last year, ZESA has operated under a non-cost-reflective tariff. If I were to show you the graph of expenses at ZESA and the level of the tariff, you would see that the level of the tariff has been far lower than the projected revenue needed to run ZESA. So that lack of capacity has created that big problem. It was only last year in November and December that we got a cost-reflective tariff which then allowed us to go back to resuscitate these lines.
I am sure in some areas of Binga right now as we speak, lines are being put up. In a number of areas in the country, it is only that the budgets may not all come out at the same time, but progressively we are working on resuscitating these lines so that supply is enhanced and increased in those areas that have been disadvantaged.
I think generally, all your questions were bordering around that issue where people have not benefited from the lines that they see overhead but we have a programme which is dealing with that. We have a lot of resuscitation. We have to go to Hwange 1 to 6 which is frequently down and resources are going there. We also have to import power in the country but most of all I want to encourage Zimbabweans to pay for electricity so that we are able to speed up. Having a good tariff is one thing but realising it in terms of actual payments is another.
So we have all those things to balance and ensure that our people in the country get that particular service. I thank you.
HON. DR. KHUPE: Supplementary question. Hon. Cumanzala raised a lot of challenges around electricity such that he said the main lines are along the road and many villagers do not live along the road and copper cables are being stolen.
Why are you not looking for other alternative energy sources like biogas, for instance because many people have got caking. With biogas you just mix cow dung and water. It ferments, it generates gas and this gas can be used for cooking and for lighting. What we need to do is to come up with simpler versions of biodigesters which can be afforded by communities, especially those in Binga and other rural areas.
So my supplementary is that, why are you not looking for other alternative sources like biogas because I think it will be handy, especially for areas like Binga and other rural areas, I thank you.
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you, Hon. Speaker, and thank you to Hon. Khupe for the supplementary question. We have a very vibrant biogas digester development programme running in the country. I can give you many examples. If I could take you to Chipinge where one month ago in Hwakwata, we were commissioning a mini-grid project, which also rolled out 90 biodigesters to the local villagers. I can take you to Matabeleland South. We also have teams that are going around training youths on building biogas digesters. I can take you to Matabeleland North, where we have teams that are doing that, however, because of limited resources, these rollouts are not moving as fast as we would like.
I would advise people who are interested and have got the resources to buy the materials required for the development of those biogas digesters to contact their REA provincial offices for that service. Usually when they come there, they will also get some youths in the locality who will be trained on how to develop those biogas digesters, so that they can multiply in the community to build for others. It also creates a bit of employment and skills development for those people.
So throughout the whole country, in all our provincial offices, we have a department which is dealing specifically with biogas. So, if any individual has got the resource, normally they will give you the BOQ to say this is what you need for this size of biogas digester. Then you give them, they will come with their teams, train people on your biogas digester and then you will benefit. Thank you.
NON-ELECTRIFICATION OF BINGA DISTRICT
- HON. CUMANZALA asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to inform the House why Binga District has not been electrified, particularly in places like Sinakooma, Siadindi, Lusulu, Tyunga, Kalungwizi, fishing camps in Siabuwa and others, thereby depriving them of development within their communities in terms of economic activities. Improved agricultural productivity and access to television and Internet services, to mention a few.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): I think basically the major issues raised also resonate with question 17. The Minister of Energy and Power Development, in conjunction with the Rural Electrification Agency, is working hard to ensure electrification of rural areas in all the eight rural provinces and Binga has not been spared. The tables below indicate projects that have been completed, projects that are currently ongoing and future projects for Binga District. The implementation of these projects is guided by the Rural Electrification Masterplan. A masterplan was developed by REA for the whole country. All these projects are then picked from the masterplan for implementation. The Sinakoma area is reticulated up to Chief Sinakoma and Chininga Primary. ZETDC is waiting for connection applications from prospective clients. In a number of cases, distribution is provided but then individuals now have to apply for connection. That is what is being waited for in some of these cases. Lusulu which also covers Siadindi poles are down and works to restore the line are in progress.
The expected dates of energinisation, it was end of September. REA is also working on that line to power the area. Tyunga and fishing camps, more switching stands temporary and have no standard structures. The nearest power supply line is more than 40 kilometers away. A new project to reticulate this area to be inserted in the 2025 Budget. Kalungwizi is connected it is on the Siabuwa 33kv line which is currently down in rotten poles. Resuscitating of the line is in progress and about 80% of it has been done to date. So this is work in progress. I do not know if I should read the whole list of the projects ongoing and those that are planned for 2024 and those planned for 2025 because most of them are similar.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAUNGANIDZE): It is necessary to the question so you may go ahead.
HON. EDGAR MOYO: Binga projects status, projects completed but affected by the Siabuwa line which is down, that is the Siabuwa backbone line which is under the management of ZETDC. The other ancillary lines are under the charge of Rural Electrification Agency. For all these that I am going to read there is a problem of the backbone line because they feed on the Siabuwa line:
Resuscitation of the line is in progress about 80% done to date.
BINGA PROJECTS STATUS
Table 1: PROJECTS COMPLETED BUT AFFECTED BY SIABUWA LINE WHICH IS DOWN
|
Name |
Category |
Comment |
|
Samende |
Clinic |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Samende |
Primary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Nsenga |
Clinic |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Nsenga |
Primary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Nsenga |
Secondary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Sinakoma |
Chief |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Mucheni |
Primary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Sinansekwe |
Chief |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Sinansekwe |
Primary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Sinansekwe |
Clinic |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Chitete |
Primary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Sinampande |
Chief |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Sinampande |
Primary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Sinampande |
Secondary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Nagangala |
Primary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Siabuwa |
Chief |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Siabuwa |
Business Centre |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Siabuwa |
Primary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Siabuwa |
Clinic |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Siabuwa |
Secondary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Siabuwa |
Ministry of Transport Houses |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Siabuzuba |
Business Centre |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Malube |
Primary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Kalungwizi |
Primary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Kalungwizi |
Secondary School |
Siabuwa Backbone line down |
|
Tyunga |
Secondary School |
Solar Project Complete, System Functional |
|
Siamupa |
Primary School |
Solar Project Complete, System Functional |
Table 2: PROJECTS PLANNED FOR BINGA DISTRICT 2024
|
Name |
Category |
Comment |
|
Siachilaba |
Clinic |
Completed |
|
Samende |
Secondary School |
Planned, ACE Approved, Binga feeder OK |
|
Mulambe |
Primary School |
Completed, Siabuwa Backbone down |
|
Lunga |
Primary School |
Planned, Solar project |
|
Dobola |
Chief |
Planned, ACE Approved, Binga feeder OK |
|
Chinengo |
Secondary School |
Planned, ACE Approved, Binga Feeder OK |
|
Mabobolo |
Primary school |
In progress, Binga Feeder OK |
|
Mabobolo |
Secondary school |
In progress, Binga Feeder OK |
|
Binga |
Chief |
Planned, ACE, approved, Binga Feeder OK |
|
Bulawayo Kraal |
Secondary School |
Planned, ACE, approved, Binga Feeder OK |
|
Zambezi |
Secondary school |
Planned, ACE, approved, Binga Feeder OK |
|
Zambezi |
Clinic |
Planned, ACE, approved, Binga Feeder OK |
Table 3: PROJECT PLANNED UNDER LISULU SWERLINE PHASE 1 AND 2
|
NAME |
CATEGORY |
COMMENT |
|
Gwagwa |
Primary School |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Kabwindi |
Primary school |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Kabwindi business centre |
Business centre |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Bemsee |
Primary School |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Chibila |
Primary School |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Chibila |
Secondary School |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Chibila |
Clinic |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Chibila |
Business centre |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Chipale |
Primary School |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Chipale |
Secondary school |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Chipale |
Clinic |
Phase 1, ACE Approved |
|
Siadini |
Primary school |
Phase 2, Planned |
|
Siadini |
Clinic |
Phase 2, Planned |
|
Chinonge |
Clinic |
Phase 2, Planned |
|
Chinonge |
Priamry School |
Phase 2, Planned |
|
Sikomena |
Primary School |
Phase 2, Planned |
|
Kayongolo |
Primary school |
Phase 2, Planned |
*Lusulu SWER to tap from Lusulu Feeder which is down currently.
TABLE 4: PROJECT PLANNED FOR BINGA ROLLOUT 2025
|
Name |
Category |
Comment |
|
Katete |
Primary School |
ACE Approved, Binga Feeder OK |
|
Katete |
Secondary School |
Binga Feeder OK |
|
Sikalenge |
Chief |
Binga Feeder OK |
|
Chabwindi |
Primary School |
Sibuwa line down |
|
Sinampande |
Clinic |
Sibuwa line down |
|
Lubu |
Primary School |
Binga Feeder OK |
|
Lubu |
Secondary School |
Binga Feeder OK |
|
Lubu |
Business Centre |
Binga Feeder OK |
|
Gwatagwata |
Primary School |
Lusulu Feeder Down |
|
Gwatagwata |
Business Centre |
Lusulu Feeder down |
Madam Speaker, I submit Hon. Chair.
∞HON. BONDA: I wanted to pose my question in Tonga, do we have any interpreters here.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Yes, you can go ahead.
Hon. Bonda having asked a question in Tonga and there was no interpretation.
HON. BONDA: Madam Speaker, there is no interpreter.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Yes, there is no interpreter.
HON. BONDA: Madam Speaker, last week, you also prejudiced me, I wanted to speak in my language.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I am sorry Honourable.
HON. BONDA: Can this also be my point of privilege that when the Shona speakers are speaking, can we also get the interpretation because it was being relayed directly from Shona to us and there was no interpretation at all. Can that also be considered because some of us do not understand Shona.
Madam Speaker, let me pose my question in English. Cognisant of national phenomenon of fallen rotten poles during rain season that is upon us, do you have any plans to shift to permanent concrete poles like other neighbouring countries have done? With the resources that we have in the country honestly, that we share with the global countries, is it not possible that we can actually mold our own concrete poles so that we can emancipate from this problem of shortage of electricity during the season that is upon us. I thank you so much.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. EDGAR. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Member for the question. The issue of fallen and rotten poles is a very big concern to the utility and to the Ministry and to the Government in general. Late last year we then agreed with ZESA through ZENT. ZENT is the manufacturing arm of ZESA. We then agreed that concrete poles should now be the way to go and they are already producing concrete poles as we speak right now. However, the equipment that is being used there is too manual and the production pace falls far below the expected turn out from that factory. Therefore, in January, we went to China and signed an MOU with the company in China which is going to partner with ZENT for the production of concrete poles.
They are going to bring in new equipment which is current and some of it is operated digitally so that we can increase production. However, the processes need a lot of due diligence and has to go to the PPP Committee. All these things have to be done through the different Government procurement processes and that is ongoing. But currently the concrete poles are being produced, albeit at a slower pace than we would require. This is why you see still we have the filtration of wooden poles. Nevertheless, those poles concrete ones are produced here in Harare at ZENT. I know that there is another company now that has been established in Kwekwe which is also doing these poles. It is something that we really embrace and that is the way we are moving. Thank you.
LIST OF COMPANIES THAT PARTICIPATED IN TENDERS FOR POWER GENERATION REFURBISHMENTS SINCE 2017
- HON. MUROMBEDZI asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to provide the House with information on those companies that went to tender for power generation refurbishments starting from 2017 to date and to indicate those that won these tenders.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. EDGAR. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Speaker and thank you to Hon. Murombedzi.
ZPC 2017 TO 2024: REFURBISHMENT TENDERS
| 2017 | CONTRACT | DESCRIPTION | TENDER | PROCUREMENT METHOD | WINNING CONTRACTOR | OTHER PARTICIPATING CONTRACTORS | BID PRICE |
| 1 | ZPC 02/2017 | Raw Coal Feed Pipes & PF Equipment | ZPC/DP 15001087 | Direct Purchase | Multotec | N/A | $8 312 450.20 |
| 2 | ZPC 40/2017 | Stage One Precipitators High Frequency Transformers | ZPC/HW00229 | Direct Purchase | GEC Zimbabwe | N/A | $448 993.49 |
| 3 | ZPC 44/2017 | Spares for Cooling Tower Number 3 Partial Repacking | ZPC 771/RC | Direct Purchase | Hamon (S.A) | N/A | $6 212 107.18 |
| 4 | ZPC 46/2017 | Units 1 to 6 DCS Automation System | ZPC/HPS SIEMENS 2017 | Direct Purchase | Siemens | N/A | $8 293 269.00 |
| 5 | ZPC 47/2017 | Deka High Lift Boards | ZPC/HW00227 | Direct Purchase | ABB (Pvt) Ltd | N/A | $252 167.00 |
| 6 | ZPC 48/2017 | CW Pipe-Work replacement | HW6433790603 | Direct Purchase | Alstom France | N/A | Euro 3 912 963.00 plus US$997 903.00 |
| 7 | ZPC 80/2017 | Cooling Tower No. 3 Partial repacking | ZPC/HPS 2011021 | Direct Purchase | Harmon (S.A) | N/A | ZAR4 808 517.93 |
| 8 | ZPC 82/2017 | ICAL Boiler 1 and 2 insulation | ZPC/HO IFO 57/2016 | Informal tender | Success | $198 000.00 | |
| 9 | ZPC 12/2018 | Refractory consumables and thermal material | ZPC/HO IFO171/2017 | Informal tender | S & S | $331 210.00 | |
| AC Controls | $316 198.45 | ||||||
| African Refractory Industries | $26 600.00 | ||||||
| Success Industrial | $408 405.25 | ||||||
| S&E Investments | $694 246.50 | ||||||
| 10 | ZPC 41/2018 | 2 HP Feed water heaters | ZPC/HPS DP ALTS 2018 | Direct purchase | Alstom | N/A | Euro 2 243 414.62 |
| 11 | ZPC 48/2018 | Spares for U5 Turbine generators | ZPC/HPS Unit 5 spares | Direct purchase | Guastini | N/A | €16 995 000.00 |
| 12 | ZPC 97/2018 | Unit 6 Pyrothem boards | ZPC/HPS DP METSO | Direct purchase | Metso | N/A | $726 569.85 |
| 13 | ZPC 131/2018 | Upgradation of fire system | ZPC/HPS/DPA/DEMTECH | Direct purchase | Demtech | N/A | ZAR1 190 442.00 |
| 14 | ZPC 90/2019 | The rubberishing of the Chlorination Plant pipework | ZPC/HO DOM 158/2020 | Informal tender | Headouph Investments | RTGS$393 558 | |
| Agroshape | RTGS$469 700 | ||||||
| 15 | ZPC 110/2019 | Unit 3 PF pipework | ZPC 20069155 | Direct purchase | Multotec Wear Linings | N/A | US$1 035 767.00 |
| 16 | ZPC 6/2020 | Supply, deliver, installation and commissioning of digital energy meters and energy summators | ZPC/HO INT 09/2019 | International tender | Helcraw Electrical | Sole bid | RTGS$8 126 639.82 |
| 17 | ZPC 9/2020 | Supply, deliver, installation and commissioning of turbo generator supervisory instrumentation and turbine protection unit | ZPC/HPS DP TSI 01/2019 | Direct purchase | Guastini Power | N/A | €3 780 000.00 |
| 18 | ZPC 32/2020 | Supply, fitting and programming of a new gear control Unit in Mercedes Benz fire tender truck | ZPC/HPS DP ZIMOCO | Direct purchase | ZIMOCO | N/A | RTGS$497 069.68 |
| 19 | ZPC 5/2021 | EPC – Upgradation o Deka pumping station and river water intake in Zimbabwe | ZPC/HO/DEKA 02/2020 | Informal tender | Afcons – Vijeta JV | Selection from the EXIM bank | US$39 389 985.00 |
| 20 | ZPC 81/2021 | Supply and delivery of actuators for Unit 1 recovery | ZPC/DP 20109749 | Direct purchase | Auma South Africa | N/A | ZAR3 570 141.00 |
| 21 | ZPC 86/2021 | Supply and delivery of turbine auxillially plant spaces for Unit 1 major overhaul | ZPC/HPS DP Unit 1 TURBINE SPARES 2021 | Direct purchase | GE Power | N/A | ZAR40 210 710.93 |
| 22 | ZPC 91/2021 | The supply, delivery, supervision of installation, commissioning and upgrading of the ACW and BCW Siemens S5 PLC System | ZPC/HWE DP 06/2020 | Direct purchase | Siemens Energy | N/A | US$1 220 603.00 |
| 23 | ZPC 93/2021 | Supply and delivery of air heater baskets and accessories for Unit 5 major overhaul | ZPC/HPS DP 03/2021 | Direct purchase | Doosan Babcock | N/A | £645 423.00 |
| 24 | ZPC 94/2021 | Supply delivery of air heater cold pass retubing materials and flaustal compensator for Unit 1 | ZPC/HPS/DP/20109959 and 20110215 | Direct purchase | GEC Zimbabwe | N/A | US$207 595.32 |
| 25 | ZPC 126/2021 | The supply and delivery of control and instrumentation equipment for Unit 1 resuscitation | ZPC/HPS DP 2011110041/2/3/5 | Direct purchase | Siemens Energy | N/A | US$702 670.27 |
| 26 | ZPC 26/2022 | The supply, delivery, installation and repair of Unit 1 damaged structures | ZPC DP GEC | Direct purchase | GEC Zimbabwe | N/A | US$408 643.05 |
| 27 | ZPC 55/2022 | Engineering, procurement and construction works for the renovation/upgradation of 90MW Bulawayo Thermal Power Station | ZPC/HO/BYO RFP/01/2019 | Request for proposal | Bharat Heavy Electricals | US$120 164 572.00 | |
| Isgec Heavy Engineering | N/A | ||||||
| Thermax Limited | N/A | ||||||
| Technofab | N/A | ||||||
| 28 | ZPC 69/2022 | Lift shaft refurbishment | ZPC/KSPS ZENT | Direct purchase | ZESA Enterprises | N/A | RTGS$13 712 312.7 |
| 29 | ZPC 85/2022 | Provision of O.E.M service works in the dismantling, inspection and reassembly of the Unit 5 Turbine | ZPC/HPS/DP FT00872 | Direct purchase | Guastini Power Engineering | N/A | €3 329 206.00 |
| 30 | ZPC 86/2022 | Project management consultancy services for Hwange Life Extension and Deka Pumping Station extension project | ZPC/HO/RFP DP/03/2021 | Direct purchase | Wapcos Limited | N/A | $4 968 550.00 |
| 31 | ZPC 197/2022 | Major overhaul spares | ZPC/HPS/DP FT00992 | Direct purchase | Guastini Power Engineering | N/A | €21 342 370.00 |
| 32 | ZPC 6/2023 | Supply and delivery of 120MW Boiler cold pass air heater bottom tube plates complete with fasteners | ZPC/HPS/DP A020303 | Direct purchase | GEC Zimbabwe | N/A | US$187 240.39 |
| 33 | ZPC 7/2023 | Refurbishment of station transformer | ZPC/HPS/DP/FT00831 | Direct purchase | ZENT | N/A | US$15 844.71 |
| 34 | ZPC 18/2023 | Refurbishment of the fire detection and monitoring system | ZPC/HO/DO M80/2022 | Direct purchase | Gibtrey Investments | N/A | US$551 200.39 |
| 35 | ZPC 27/2023 | Supply and delivery of conveyor belt alarm sounders | ZPC/HO/DO M134/2022 | Informal tender | Mhara Holdings | ||
| Eunivic | US$15 321.80 | ||||||
| Old Vance | US$111 800.00 | ||||||
| Eunidar | US$51 220.00 | ||||||
| Millantus | US$103 984.92 | ||||||
| Webline | US$80 974.40 | ||||||
| Benedetto | US$62 729.16 | ||||||
| Setquip | US$39 000.00 | ||||||
| Artin | US$13 5200.00 | ||||||
| Waretech | US$78 850.00 | ||||||
| Bidvest | US$97 448.00 | ||||||
| Cube 365 | US$26 676.00 | ||||||
| Eulone | US$33 970 | ||||||
| Liquid Control | US$101 140.00 | ||||||
| 36 | ZPC 35/2023 | Supply and delivery of 220V Battery Bank cells FCP33 | ZPC/KSPS/D P12/2022 | Direct ourchase | Chloride Zimbabwe | N/A | US$120 485.42 |
| 37 | ZPC 40/2023 | The supply and delivery of battery chargers | ZPC/HO/INT/01/2023 | International tender | Spectrum Engineering | US$37 331.71 | |
| S7S Water and Power | US$120 104.54 | ||||||
| 38 | ZPC 83/2023 | The design. Manufacturing, testing, supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of a new powerhouse double girder overhead crane | ZPC/KSPS/D p/11/2022 | Direct purchase | Pro Crane | N/A | US$1 580 895.02 |
| 39 | ZPC 95/2023 | Design, supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of a digital bulk diesel metering set | ZPC/HO/DO M03/2023 | Informal tender | iSolutions | US$204 364.38 | |
| Liquid Control | US$198 354.78 | ||||||
| 40 | ZPC 5/2024 | Design, test, supply and delivery of Unit 4 Turbine runner and mandatory spares | ZPC/KSPS/D P16/2022 | Direct purchase | GE Hydro France SAS | N/A | US$2 568 568.00 |
| 41 | ZPC 27/2024 | Supply and delivery of boiler air heater tube inserts | ZPC/HO INT 09/2023 | International tender | Astone Energy | US$444 310.00 | |
| Mitchmart | US$242 575.00 | ||||||
| Stridemaker | US$396 400.00 | ||||||
| Bidvest | US$504 899.22 | ||||||
| DJT | US$519 207.78 | ||||||
| Swordwear | US$602 448.00 | ||||||
| BHE | US$2 405 820.00 | ||||||
| 42 | ZPC 61/2024 | Provision of consultancy services in the design, supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of a new turbine runner | ZPC/KSPS RFP01/2024 | Single Sourcing | SWECO International | N/A | US$1 923 788.81 |
WRITTEN SUBMISSION TO QUESTION WITH NOTICE
LOCATION OF NEW SCHOOLS IN RESETTLEMENT AREAS OF ZVIMBA SOUTH CONSTITUENCY
- HON. MALINGANISO asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to apprise the House on Government policy regarding the location of new schools in resettlement areas where there are compounds occupied by former farm workers, with particular reference to the Audley End Primary School in Ward 21, Zvimba South Constituency.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Malinganiso for the question. The Government’s approach to establishing new schools in resettlement areas, including those occupied by farm workers is guided by a collaborative, whole of Government strategy. In particular, the allocation of land for new schools is facilitated through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development in coordination with local authorities, ensuring that these new educational facilities serve their communities effectively and harmoniously.
Regarding Audley End Primary School in Ward 21, Zvimba South Constituency, I am pleased to report that the school is fully registered and occupies land allocated through the Ministry of Lands. The Ministry of Lands allocated 20 hectares specifically for the establishment and expansion of this primary school, with the goal of meeting the educational needs of the surrounding communities.
In this case, the land allocation encompasses a compound inhabited by former farm workers. Following the allocation, a directive was issued for the school and the compound to coexist, with the Audey End Primary School designated as the primary authority over the entire allocated area, this arrangement has thus far been successful, and there have been no reported issues regarding the coexistence of the school and the compound within the designated land.
For any further specifics on land allocation processes or management in this area, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development would be best placed to provide additional details. However, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to supporting this coexistence model, as it ensures both the educational institution and the community it serves can thrive together.
ADDITIONAL
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education in Zimbabwe holds a proactive stance on the early response and repair of school infrastructure damaged by natural disasters such as hailstorms. The guiding principle regarding this matter entails:
- Rapid Assessment and Repair: Through District and provincial offices, the Ministry prioritises quick assessments of damaged school infrastructure to facilitate timely repairs. This approach aims to minimise disruption to the learning process and ensures that schools can reopen as soon as possible.
- Collaboration with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU): The Ministry collaborates closely with the CPU, which is responsible for coordinating disaster response efforts across various sectors. This partnership helps streamline the repair process and ensures that schools are included in broader recovery plans.
- Schools Rehabilitation Scheme: The Ministry has established a Schools Rehabilitation Scheme aimed at systematically addressing damage to school facilities. This scheme provides a framework for funding and implementing repairs, ensuring that affected schools receive necessary support for rehabilitation.
- Resource Mobilisation: The Ministry actively seeks funding from both the Treasury and non-governmental sources to support the rehabilitation of schools. This includes engaging with international partners and NGOs to secure additional resources for repair efforts.
Questions With Notice were interrupted by THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER, in terms of Standing Order Number 68.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KARIKOGA: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 9 be stood over until Order of the Day Number 10 has been disposed of.
HON. BHUKA: I second.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION TO THE 55TH PLENARY ASSEMBLY SESSION OF THE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM HELD IN LUANDA, ANGOLA
Tenth Order read: Adjourned debate on the motion on the Report of the Delegation to the 55th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
Question again proposed.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise to second the motion on the Report of the Delegation to the 55th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, which was raised by Hon. Mugomo. The plenary session was held in Angola in Luanda from the 1st to the 8th July 2024. Our delegation was led by the Hon. Speaker, Advocate Mudenda. The session was exciting, focusing on the theme of Promoting Renewable Energy Policies and Establishing a Single Regional Energy Market within the SADC region. Our engagement in the Plenary Assembly was robust. When we unpacked the new SADC PF Strategic Plan for 2024 to 2028, which is the road map for the Member Parliaments with objectives ranging from Enhancing Governance and Socio-Economic Development to Advancing Gender Equality, Youth Empowerment and Regional Integration. Our Speaker, Hon. Advocate Mudenda emphasised the importance of adequate budgetary support and constant evaluation mechanisms to ensure the Strategic Plan’s successful implementation. In the discussion on renewable energy, our
Hon. Speaker Advocate Mudenda unpacked the region’s untaped potential such as the Grand Inga Dam Hydro-Electric Project in the DRC. He urged us to prioritise comprehensive energy policies, budget allocations for renewable energy and regional harmonisation. The emphasis was on a clean, secure, affordable energy’s future including exploring nuclear power on a low carbon alternative. The Plenary adopted resolutions on transforming the SADC PF into a fully-fledged regional Parliament, which will bring us in line with other African Regional blocks and PAP. Additionally, it called for enhanced collaboration with key partners such as the African Population Health and Research Centre and Ox-Farm to tackle pressure issues like child marriages, gender based violence and climate change.
The Assembly also highlighted Angola’s efforts in renewable energy. Angola’s significant strides towards becoming Africa’s green energy bank are exemplary showing the right policy frameworks and investments. The resolution urged us to replicate such models across our countries.
Turning to Zimbabwe Madam Speaker, the country has made significant strides in areas such as climate justice where we have established a Parliamentary technical committee on Climate Change and enacted laws such as S.I. 150 of 2023, to regulate carbon credits. Our effort to promote gender inclusive climate action as an important tool by the forthcoming Climate Change Bill and the Climate Change Gender Action Plan. We have also focused on youth empowerment implementing the Electoral Amendment Act to introduce a Youth Quota and Establishing Vocational Training Centres and National Youth Service Programme. Our Education reform includes the Heritage based 5.0 Curriculum and increasing budget allocation for Higher Education. Furthermore, Zimbabwe has enacted Domestic Violence Act and launched a national strategy to address the Gender Based Violence. Our compliance with the SADC model law on eradicating child marriages and support for digital skilled training for rural women demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and sustainable development.
Lastly Madam Speaker, we resolved to support the ratification and domestification of SADC protocols on renewable energy and to strengthen the role of Parliament as accountability institution, ensuring a conducive policy and regulatory environment for swift transition to clean energy.
Madam Speaker, these action plans and resolutions are crucial for building strength in oversite roles here in Parliament. I urge you Hon. Members of Parliament to make sure that we also embrace this framework to ensure accountability, good governance and sustainable progress in our region. I urge all Members to thoroughly read and reveal this comprehensive report which was raised by Hon. Nkomo and integrate its rich insight into their respective committee work. This session has been crucial and beneficial for Zimbabwe. I believe it will provide a blueprint to our legislative and policy initiative. With these few remarks, I support the motion which was raised by Hon. Nkomo. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
*HON. NYABANI: Thank you Madam Speaker. In support of the motion which was raised by Hon. Mugomo, supported by Hon. Karenyi. I want to add my voice after a very successful meeting in Luanda, Angola where Zimbabwe was ably represented by the delegation led by Hon. Speaker Advocate Jacob Mudenda. The 55th Parliamentary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum focused on the key regional matters. I would like to highlight the following strong contributions from Zimbabwe; on renewable energy, Zimbabwe continues to champion renewable energy in the SADC region at the meeting.
Our Speaker advocated for the use of clean energy and affordable energy highlighting the potential of projects like Grand Inga Dam in DRC. Zimbabwe is pushing for policies that support renewable energy and promote a unified regional energy market. This shows our commitment in securing a clean energy future for the region.
A strong support for regional integration; Zimbabwe supported the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a fully flagged regional Parliament aligning with the African blocs. This will enhance democracy, good governance and social economic development. Our voice in this transformation speaks volumes about Zimbabwe’s regional leadership.
Youth and Gender Empowerment; Zimbabwe is leading the way in the promotion of youth in the gender empowerment. We have established the climate change, gender action plan passed the Electoral Amendment Act to introduce the quota system and strengthen the laws against child marriages and Gender-Based Violence. This commitment shows our dedication to inclusive development in the region tackling economic change. Zimbabwe is at the forefront of climate action. We set up Parliamentary Technical Committee on climate change, which passed Statutory Instrument (152) to regulate carbon credit and advancing the Climate Change Bill. Our leadership in this area is a model for the region as we balance development and environmental protection.
Angola’s green energy progress; the meeting also recognised Angola’s impressive strive in renewable energy which saves as a model of other countries including Zimbabwe. We are ready to learn from Angola and adopt similar models to maximise our renewable energy potential.
Accountable and clean energy transection; Zimbabwe emphasised the role of Parliament in holding the Government accountable, particularly in ensuring the smooth transition to clean energy. Our Parliament is committed to making sure policies support this goal which is vital for our future and that of the region.
Commitment to future collaboration; as we look forward to the next SADC PF in Zambia this November, Zimbabwe remains fully committed to implementing all the resolutions, ensuring we continue to play a leading role in shaping regional policy.
In conclusion Madam Speaker Ma’am, Zimbabwe remains a key player in the region. I want to congratulate His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa for the SADC Chairmanship. Our country is steadily rising as a fast development nation leading the way in energy governance and sustainable development. With these few remarks, I wholeheartedly support the motion. I thank you.
HON. MUGOMO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. KARENYI-KORE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 31st October, 2024.
On the motion of HON. MAUNGANIDZE, seconded by HON. MUROMBEDZI the House adjourned at Thirteen Minutes past Five o’clock p.m.