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SENATE HANSARD 03 SEPTEMBER 2024 VOL 33 NO 70
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 3rd September, 2024.
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
NON-ADVERSE REPORT RECEIVED FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have an announcement. I have received a non-adverse report from the Parliamentary Legal Committee on the Administration of Estates Amendment Bill [H.B. 3B, 2024] and all the Statutory Instruments published in the Government Gazette during the month of July, 2024.
SWITCHING OFF OF CELLPHONES
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senators are reminded to put their gadgets on silent or better switch them off.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 and 2 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Judicial Service Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 4th September, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday 4th September, 2024.
COMMITTEE STAGE
CONSIDERATION OF THE ADVERSE REPORT BY THE PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE ON STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS 17, 18, 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 AND 52 OF 2024
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on Consideration of the Adverse Report by the Parliamentary Legal Committee on Statutory Instruments Nos. 17, 18, 23, and 24 of 2024, published in the Gazette during the month of February, 2024 and Statutory instruments Nos. 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, and 52 of 2024, published in the Gazette during the month of March, 2024.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday 4th September, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. GOTORA: Mr. President Sir, I move that Order of the Day, Number 6 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
IMPROVEMENT ON SERVICE DELIVERY BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on challenges bedeviling local authorities in the provision of services.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to contribute on the important motion raised by Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa. We are aware of the state of service delivery in our local authorities and the motion calls on action to ameliorate the situation. Mr. President, we know that local authorities are mandated to ensure that our people receive proper service delivery in terms of water provision, sewage disposal, solid waste management and in terms of trafficable roads; but that service delivery in most cases is non-existent.
There are many reasons which are attributed to the lack of service delivery in local authorities, primarily, the resource constraints which are found in local authorities. Local authorities have got limited revenue basis and some of those cases where those revenues are raised are mismanaged. They also have low tax basis. In many cases, they are supposed to be assisted by the central Government so that they can cover the service delivery gap. I will articulate that further Mr. President.
Primarily, we see that local authorities are bedeviled by corruption and mismanagement of revenues and that is attributable to many factors Mr. President. Mostly, it is something to do with capacitation within the local authorities. Some of the people have not been given proper training and some of the elected officials think that being in a local authority or being a councillor is an opportunity to loot and an opportunity to misuse the resources. Of course, there are some of us now who are being encouraged to undergo some training so that they know how to handle resources within the local authorities.
The other factor is something to do with the state of the infrastructure. Infrastructure in most cases is designed or has a lifespan. Some of it is old and dilapidated. In other cases, where there were open spaces, those have been densified. Where there were spaces for churches and schools, those have been taken over by land barons and subdivided, leading to severe pressure on existing infrastructure. A case in point is what happened in St. Mary’s in Chitungwiza and Zengeza where limited infrastructure is based on the seams and cannot cope because what is loaded on it is way beyond handling capacity.
I earlier touched on the capacitation within the local authorities, the training required to ensure that our local authorities are run properly. Let me move on to something else which is quite important in terms of service delivery within local authorities, something to do with the relationship between central Government and some of the local authorities, particularly those which are in the hands of the opposition.
I think there should be an understanding that a local authority cannot work and cannot function without a good relationship with central Government. So, where politics is actually called into play, it compromises service delivery. There is a requirement that some of the budgets have got to be approved by central Government. If that approval process takes time or is looked at from a political point of view, that also handicaps the local authorities. Similarly, when the local authorities think that they can actually function and occupy space outside the authority of central Government, that does not work. That symbiotic relationship has got to be encouraged and natured all the time.
Mr. President, I would say that there are three main factors which are required to ensure that local authorities deliver. The first one is governance which I have touched on. Governance does not only apply to central Government, but it also applies to local authorities. Capacitation is the second one Mr. President. The third one which is my last point is, it enhances financial management strategies. Being in a local authority should not be taken as an opportunity to loot. We have seen, we have heard what is happening with City of Harare, things which are being unearthed right now in terms of the Commission which was set up to look at the affairs of City of Harare. It is very unfortunate, it makes very unfortunate reading and it should not be the case. Harare is the capital city of the country and things should actually be run properly. City of Harare should be an example to all the local authorities. I would say Mr. President that maybe the City of Bulawayo is one of the few local authorities which is being run properly – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - All the other authorities should learn from the City of Bulawayo.
Lastly Mr. President, and once again, I thank the mover of the motion Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa. Let us take it seriously and ensure that our people receive the service they deserve, the service which they were accustomed to for many years going forward. Thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I second Mr. President.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 4th September, 2024.
SHORTAGES OF WATER IN CITIES AND OTHER TOWNS
HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: I move the motion standing in my name that that this House—
ACKNOWLEDGING with appreciation that water is life and is indeed a precious commodity which human kind cannot do without;
DISMAYED THAT Bulawayo and Harare cities have suffered perennial water shortages due to dilapidated and unserviceable infrastructure owing to increase of populations in the cities.
NOW, THEREFORE, urgently calls upon local authorities through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to:
(a) address the shortages of water as a matter of urgency in order to avert a health crisis in cities arising from lack of water; and
(b) overhaul and revamp the water reticulation system in the cities of Harare and Bulawayo and other towns in the country.
HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: I second.
HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President. This motion seeks to make us engage in this very important issue of water, necessity for life, a human right which is irreplaceable. In a robust way, as shortages of this precious commodity makes life difficult for citizens of Bulawayo, Harare and other areas, we must ask difficult questions to the central Government, local authorities and most importantly, ZINWA which has the mandate of provision of bulk water. All these must account and I implore all fellow Senators and Hon. colleagues to engage on this topic.
The people we represent are bearing the brunt of the water challenges. In this motion, I wish to look at shortages of water and proffer some recommendations for the House to debate and hopefully cause policy shift towards resolutions of water challenges.
Causes and Impact of Water Scarcity
Water challenges emanate from a variety of causes, from climate change, population growth and urban development without corresponding development of bulk water sources like dams as well as lack of investment in water sources. Water shortages in Bulawayo have resulted in the dry tapes, rising poverty levels, deepening livelihood challenges and queues wherever temporary water resources are availed. Increases in water diseases like cholera and dysentery are among a plethora of output, outcomes and impacts of shortages of water.
ZINWA
Water regulatory authorities since year 2000, its inception from the Water Act 31, 1998, ZINWA manages the national water resources through the seven catchment councils of Gwayi, Manyame, Mazowe, Mzingwane, Sanyati, Save and Runde. Through these, ZINWA is responsible for water planning and implementation, management in public dams, supply of bulk water to the agriculture, industrial and mining sectors and supply bulk water to urban centres. Coordination and supervision of the seven-catchment councils. A cursory look at these responsibilities shows an institution that is failing and tragically so in its mandate as proven by the 2007 to 2008 cholera outbreak and others of less gravity after that. Bulk water provisions in urban areas is lagging behind population growth and urban development. Funding for ZINWA is willfully inadequate, yet funding is squandered. It seems like the so-called Presidential Goat Scheme where a whooping US$89 million was lost through the corrupt tender, yet the same amount would have constructed a dam in Umzingwane catchment council, these and other scams show that the country has adequate resources, but our priorities as a country are misplaced and we let our people down.
THE. HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order! As a matter of procedure, when an issue is before the courts and no judgement has been made, you should say it is alleged and not yourself to pass judgement. Proceed.
HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: Thank you for the correction Mr. President Sir. Bulawayo challenges and the current situation and state of disaster just like the drought situation year in and year out, pleads for water situations to be declared state of disaster by DCC has fallen on deaf ears. Declaration of state of disaster will attach the necessary private sector and international assistance in funding.
Recommendations: Declare the water situation a state of disaster, especially in Bulawayo. Prioritise allocation of foreign currency and budgetary funding to local authorities and ZINWA for water related activities like bulk water provisions, particularly Gwayi-Shangani Dam. Purchase water treatment chemicals and emergency maintenance of rehabilitation of all the existing infrastructure including dams. This will allow for emergency relief, liberalising the water sector to allow the PPCs, like what happened in countries like China and Ethiopia, where the private sector and international development partners play a critical role in providing water services. Perennial security on ZINWA, local authorities and ministry departments with responsibilities to provision of water so that our constituencies can get to understand the stakeholders appreciate existing inadequacies and are able to assist where possible. In short, our Government must be open, accountable and transparent. I thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. MANYENGAVANA: Thank you Mr. President, I want to debate the motion moved by Hon. Sen. R. Ndlovu. Thank you Hon. Senator for moving a very important motion. Mr. President, the motion before us which has to do with water is a very important one. Everyone wants water. We cannot do anything without water and water knows no boundaries. It is not a partisan issue and it affects our residents regardless of class or race. It will not ask you the political status. So, when we are dealing with water, I expect most of us to support the motion. Mr. President, for Harare, we have Chivero that gives us water. Chivero was built in the colonial era. We are behind in building Muda in Seke, Kunzvi in Goromonzi to add to what we have in Chivero. Chivero was built when we had less than a million people. Now, Harare and Chitungwiza have over three million people that feed from Chivero. So, it is an urgent matter for the Government to solve. There is a shortage of water not only in Harare, but in all cities. Yes, I do understand that Government tried to drill boreholes, one in each ward but that is not solving the problem. Why I say so is because most of our boreholes that were drilled are contaminated, they are causing health problems. So, we want water from our taps as urban people.
Mr. President, I was also checking on water source alternatives and found out that we can also harvest water from the sky in areas like Nyanga. We can extract water not only from the dams, but from the sky. In first world countries, they are doing that unlike here where we only rely on dams. We can have water from humid areas like Nyanga. I urge Government to look into that instead of going only for the surface water.
Mr. President, we are grateful to the Minister of Water for what is being done to address the problem of water shortage, but we urge the Minister to do more. Yes, he has been pushing in Cabinet for water issues to be resolved but that is not enough. We want Government to do more, build more dams to add to what we have as a country must prioritise the water problem. What we did when we had the SADC Summit can be done with the water crisis. Let us all focus on the water problem. There is a shortage of rainfall this year and we want more water for our people and livestock. I urge Government to focus on residents, especially in urban areas. If we build more dams, it can solve the problem.
At Lake Chivero, we are using seven chemicals to clean raw water. Long back during the colonial times, we were only using two chemicals, but now we are using seven chemicals and for us to get those chemicals, we need foreign currency which is scarce in this country. If we build more dams, it is cheaper in the long run.
Mr. President, I expect the whole House to support this very important motion on water crisis in the country. The scarcity of water does not know any political boundary and I once again urge this House to support the motion raised by Senator Hon. Ritta Ndlovu. I thank you.
HON. SEN. PHULU: I stand today to lend my unwavering support to Hon. Senator Ritta Ndlovu’s motion which emphasises the critical need for sustainable water management in Zimbabwe. As we discuss and deliberate on this matter, it is essential to recognise the profound significance of water not just as a resource, but as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development, which is why I felt compelled to rise when there was scarcity of debate on this motion. It is a motion that will not demonstrate seriousness on our part if we do not really stand and speak to it.
Water is life. It is the source that nourishes our bodies, sustains our ecosystems and fuels our agricultural sectors yet as we speak, millions of our fellow citizens face chronic water shortages as emphasised by the mover of the motion. In the arid regions of our beloved nation, we face serious challenges and according to the United Nations, around two billion people worldwide live in countries experiencing water stress. Zimbabwe with its unique climatic challenges is no exception. The progress towards us achieving Sustainable Development Goal No. 6, that is ensuring availability and sustainable management and sanitation for all is imperative for us as a nation. In light of this, let us reflect on the Gwayi-Shangani Dam Project, an initiative that holds immense promises for enhancing our water infrastructure and sustaining livelihoods of countless Zimbabweans.
I know that in the past, budget provisions have been made for it, but we have not really seen how the implementation on the ground has progressed and we would look forward that as we approach the next budget, we will hear more in terms of provisions of resources towards that end and hear more reports in terms of the progress that is happening on the ground. That dam once completed, will harness water from the Gwayi River serving as a lifeline for agriculture, domestic use and industry in the dry regions. With a capacity hold of approximately 33 000cm3 of water, this dam has a potential to alleviate water scarcity for communities that have suffered for too long.
Statistics tell a compelling story; Zimbabwe is endowed with around ten major dams and yet many of them are located in areas that suffer from recurrent drought. The harsh co-relation between water scarcity and the rising incidences of food security cannot be overlooked. In fact, this motion connects very well with other motions that we have seen on the Order Paper, that talk about this looming food insecurity. According to research conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, approximately 40% of households in dry regions face challenges accessing water. Imagine that 40% of our households as a nation that is striving towards achieving Vision 2030 and trying to implement NDS1, I think 40% is a high figure for households whose livelihoods are under threat as a result of water stress.
We need to begin to focus more on this issue and I do agree with the speaker who submitted that what we did for the roads leading up to the SADC Summit is a good model in terms of water. When we pick a correct time when the country has resources, it is something that we must tackle with the same vigour, pace and enthusiasm as we did leading up to the SADC Summit. That is a model that we must not abandon. We must embrace it and build on it to see how far we would go in alleviating this figure of 40%.
As I have said, 40% is not merely a number but it is a tragic reality that impacts families, children and entire communities. The repercussions of inadequate water supply are devastating from undermining our health to limiting our educational opportunities for girls who must spend hours each day collecting water instead of attending school. As we strive towards Vision 2030, our national blueprint for sustainable development, it is crucial to remember that water management will be at the heart of our success. If we are to achieve full economic empowerment, the development of industries and the eradication of poverty, we must ensure that every Zimbabwean has access to clean, safe and sustainable water.
I would like to emphasise the need for urgent action and investment in water infrastructure. It is not just about building dams, but fostering resilient communities that can withstand challenges of climate change and water scarcity. Together, we must advocate for policies that enhance water conservation, improve irrigation practices for our farmers and ensure that every project like the Gwayi-Shangani is completed efficiently and effectively. I must emphasise that there are other projects elsewhere. I have just picked on the Gwayi-Shangani Project because it is a topical one and a good starting point and it is located in an area where we could see a lot of that 40% being actually reduced.
As we gather and support Senator Ndlovu’s motion, let us remember the faces of those, particularly women and children who walk miles to fetch water each day. Let us be their voices. Let us seize the opportunity to create a Zimbabwe that is water abundant, accessible and treated as a precious resource that it is. I implore all of us to commit to meaningful action that would also start with debating the motion. If we do not debate the motion and someone reads the Hansard ten years later, they will conclude that the nation was never serious in addressing this issue. It begins with us bringing our ideas to this issue, suggesting innovations to this issue, suggesting motivators for the Government to really put their foot on the pedal when it comes to this issue. I implore us to commit to meaningful education and together push for progress in sustainable water management, acknowledge its connection to our health, safety, environment and our shared prosperity as a nation. With determination, we can build a future that reflects the aspirations of Vision 2030. A Zimbabwe where water flows freely and to every community and every community thrives. I thank you.
HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MANYENGAVANA: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 4th September, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE WOMEN PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS (ZWPC) ON THE 68TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (CSW68)
Ninth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus (ZWPC) on the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. NDEBELE: Thank you Mr. President. I rise today to support the motion by Hon. Senator Mbohwa, calling upon this Hon. House to note the Report of the 68th Session of the Commission of the status of women CSW 68. As a representative in this great nation, I am pleased to share with this House the key highlights of this important international conference. The 68th Session of the Commission of the status of women was held from March, 11th to 22nd of 2024 in the New York City, United States of America. The theme of this year`s Session was, ‘Accelerating the achievements of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.
I am pleased to report that Zimbabwe participated in this Session led by our President of Senate, Hon. Mabel Chinomona and a delegation of Parliamentarians and staff. Despite some challenges, including late issuance of travel visas, our delegation managed to attend several site events and engage with other delegations from around the world. One of the key take-aways from this Session is the urgent need to address poverty and inequality, which remains the major obstacle of achieving gender equality. We also learnt that economic empowerment is critical in building youth capacity to prevent HIV/AIDS among our youths. It was noted that poverty and inequality remain dominant forces leading to HIV/AIDS increase in many countries, including Zimbabwe.
Another important issue discussed during the Session was promoting women’s political participation in equitable and strong public institutions. We were encouraged to elect more women at the grassroots level, including local authorities and Parliament. To ensure equal participation of women across the board, we also learnt that Sweden has done well in economic empowerment on women and has managed to have more women in public offices, including Parliament. This Session also highlighted the need for gender responsive in agriculture and climate change. It was noted that less than 10% of women in Africa own land, which make them less resilient to climate shocks. We are encouraged to enhance access to credit, specifically targeted for women, so that they can own and control land.
Furthermore, we leant about the importance of harnessing education as a high impact strategy to achieve gender equality. The discussion focused on adopting affirmative action to empower women and girls through education, strengthening safety measures and protecting women and girls against all forms of gender-based violence. I must say that I was particularly inspired by the decision of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform how employment in public services and education benefit women and girls.
However, we were also cautioned about the urgent need for Government and organisations to come up with a strategy to close the digital gap that already exists and take into account emerging issues around AI so that no one is left behind.
In conclusion, I urge this House to support the adoption of this report, which highlights the importance of addressing poverty, promoting women and girls’ political participation, gender responsive agriculture, education enhancing technology for women’s empowerment. It is imperative that we work together as a nation to celebrate the achievements of gender equality to empower all women and girls, who are your mothers. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MBOHWA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHAPFUDZA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 4th September, 2024.
MOTION
REHABILITATION OF ALL OPEN MINES BY ARTISANAL MINERS
Tenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need for artisanal miners to rehabilitate open mines.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHAPFUDZA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 4th September, 2024.
MOTION
COMPENSATION TO PENSIONERS AND POLICY HOLDERS BY PENSION AND INSURANCE COMPANIES
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the reduced value of the Zimbabwean Dollar.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Mr. President. I stand in support of this motion on reduced value of the Zimbabwean Dollar, which has been proposed by Hon. Senator Zvidzai. I will not speak for long on it but certainly, I noticed that more than being about the Zimbabwean Dollar, this motion is really about how we treat the elderly. It speaks to the hyperinflation during the period between 2006 and 2009, which resulted in insurance companies and pension schemes failing to honour what they ought to have paid to pensioners and people who have taken out insurances for various purposes, including for sending their children to school.
As a country, I do not understand why we have never taken seriously the plight of the elderly. We suffer from a problem where we discriminate against the elderly. We suffer from ageism, which is something is in our bones. It is deep in us. When we hear people speak about the elderly and whenever the subject of the elderly is proposed, it is quickly brushed aside.
However, we must remember that from 1980 until now, and even before, it is these very people whom we now call elderly that sweated in order to build this country. They worked in different companies, worked on our railroad, worked on our roads, sent children to school and invested in the future. If we are the future of that time, they invested seriously in us. They did forgo a lot in what they could have done in order to ensure we are who we are and to ensure that we are seated at Mt. Hampden, a new building, praising and thanking you Mr. President. This building, we must not fool ourselves to think that it was built by us who sit here today. It was made possible by those people who invested in us and who have invested in our economy. Yet, when you look around, a lot of them are sitting at homes, waiting to die. They do not have pensions.
What we call a pension, that we are fighting for here is USD100. A lot of them are entitled to less than USD100, which they do not even get. There has been many discussions and many debates, which never move about what we will do with the plight of the elderly. Now, I see that in terms of the motion, it acknowledges that the Government has endeavoured to redress this injustice related to losses incurred by pension and insurance policy holders by requesting pension schemes and insurance companies to compensate these victims, but there is no movement on this compensation.
Certainly, I think even the scope of the motion is narrow. What we should be moving towards Mr. President, over and above compensating those who lost pensions, is that there are many elderly people who do not even have pensions, who have invested in other ways, who have invested in children and in human capital, who do not have pensions. If you go to other jurisdictions, South Africa for instance, which has a Constitution similar to ours, they have constitutional provisions similar to ours. This means that what they can do, we can also do. They have put their elderly on meaningful grants Mr. President, that allow the elderly to survive. ...
Hon. Senator Tshabangu having passed between the Chair and the Member speaking.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. CHIEF MTSHANE-KHUMALO): Order! Order! Hon. Senator Tshabangu, you many not move in front of a Member when he is debating.
HON. SEN. PHULU: That has allowed the elderly to survive from month to month, living within a meaningful space, within the bracket where a person can survive, that is the minimum basket. In fact, they have gone so far as giving a grant to those elderly people who are looking after little children, grandchildren and orphans. We talk a lot about orphanages here but it is reality, the elderly are looking after the vast majority of our orphans in this country. If those children were to be let go by those elderly people, we would not have enough institutions to cater for the children who are in need of care, who would come from those homes and yet every time we talk about this issue, there seems to be no movement. I think this motion is trying to hammer on that movement, to say we need to know when these victims are going to be compensated. The Ministry of Finance needs to put in place mechanisms to ensure that in future, pensioners and insurance companies and those who have taken out insurance do not fall victim to these recurring cycles. One of the things that we suggest is that over and above that, for those who have suffered losses, we must ensure that we come up with a safety net for all our elderly people. In certain countries, elderly people get to move on public transport freely, which is why we need to fix our public transport system. They are given passes to move around the country freely so that they can visit their children and attend to their affairs.
Mr. President, one of the challenges that you will note is that those pensioners who travel to town to come and get US$20 do not get the US$20 when they get to the bank and yet they would have spent more in traveling to just come and access those monies. The situation for our elderly, our pensioners is ridiculous to say the least, if you excuse my language Mr. President. Certainly, we also need to put meticulous effort in order to ensure that it is overcome.
Also, the first people who must be motivated by this is us the Parliamentarians, as the budget draws nearer. This is an area in which we should demand policy reform, we should demand answers in terms of what can be done – and the elderly are not here to speak for themselves by and large, it is us who are here. They are also discriminated in terms of accessing this Parliament and other Government institutions. They have to retire when they reach a certain age, and let us treat them like people who cannot speak for themselves.
I urge that this motion that has been put before us be also debated extensively and also at the same time, that this House resolves that the Minister of Finance really appraises Parliament on progress in this regard. I hope that will so move and I hope that one day, this plea is going to be taken on board and we move quickly to address the issues of the elderly as we ourselves will certainly inch towards that age. We must really move very quickly to ensure that in as much as we are dealing with children, youths and everyone in the fabric of our society, let us not leave behind the elderly. When we pronounced the mantra that no one must be left behind Mr. President, it certainly does also include the elderly. I thank you.
^^HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to add my voice on the elderly motion. I realise that people no longer take it seriously that our elderly need to be taken care of. We also forget that we are also getting to that age of being the elderly. As we are talking of the elderly, we need to realise that we discuss issues that will help the elderly in their upkeep. I would like to thank the mover of this motion and the seconder in realising that our elderly need to be taken care of.
Before saying much, I would like to ask the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to critically look at the inclusion of all the elderly in their upkeep. We need to take pride in our elderly because they are the ones who brought us up, we are what we are because of them. These elderly need to be respected, yes, some of these elderly people have been given their pensions but some of them do not even have these pensions, they are living in abject poverty.
Mr. President, some of these elderly people are even taken to old people’s homes because we are shunning them, us as their children. I do not know if we are taking our time to go and look after them from these homes and ensure that all their necessities are taken care of. We need to ensure that may be a committee is created under Social Welfare, to ensure that these elderly people get all the necessities that they require in their upkeep.
Mr. President, still on the issue of the elderly, once we discuss these issues, you are told that our budget is not enough to cover their needs. It is therefore critical that as we work towards our 2025 budget, there is need to ensure that the elderly people are allocated enough funds to give them a better life. Truthfully, most of these elderly people are suffering. For them to get a meal, it is impossible, especially some of those in the rural areas, they are just getting help from their neighbours, therefore it is critical that we all ensure that our elderly people are brought closer to help from the Government. As this august House, we need to encourage our traditional leaders to prioritise our elderly during those times of food allocation from Social Welfare. Therefore, I do not have much to say but the most important is with regards to us looking after our elderly, showing them love because they also love us. With these few words, I thank you.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 4th September 2024.
MOTION
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES TO HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA ON ASSUMPTION OF THE PRESIDENCY OF PAP
Twelfth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on congratulatory messages to be conveyed to Hon. Senator Chief Charumbira on his ascendency to the Presidency of Pan African Parliament.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 4th September 2024.
MOTION
ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC HEMODIALYSIS FACILITIES IN DISTRICTS
Thirteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the treatment of chronic kidney diseases in Zimbabwe.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. PHULU: I rise on a point of order. The question as recorded by you Mr. President, is not the question as proposed originally, in that on page 621, there is an error and I think that error needs to be acknowledged so that it is corrected.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: What is the error again?
HON. SEN PHULU: It says the Minister of State
Devolution Affairs for Mashonaland East Province, it just hangs
there with no meaning or purpose and I assume it is a mistake.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I do not see it on my paper on the thirteenth Order.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Where it says concerned that the costs of hemodialysis are extremely high for ordinary citizens: and then it says the Minister of State Devolution Affairs for Mashonaland East Province. On my paper it says that. I do not know whether the mistake appears in everybody’s paper.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you for that observation Senator Phulu, it will be corrected on the Order Paper.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Mr. President, but it means the question cannot be debated today as it stands until it
is corrected.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: But I think you realise that it is a typing error and surely, that cannot stop the debate. If you want to debate, you can continue to debate.
HON. SEN. PHULU: I do not intend to debate today.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 4th September 2024.
MOTION
MOBILE BIRTH REGISTRATION EXERCISE
Fourteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the challenges faced by people living in the border areas on the issuance of birth certificates.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 4th September 2024.
MOTION
ESTABLISHMENT OF HYDROCEPHALUS DEVICES IN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE PHARMACIES
Fifteen Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the treatment of hydrocephalus in hospitals.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. KABONDO: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to debate on the motion that was brought into this House by Senator Sibanda. I felt that I need to stand up because of its importance, especially when I read about the age groups that the disease affects. I discovered that it normally occurs among infants and people that are 60 years and above and I put myself into that category. That is why I am up and I really feel we need to debate and understand this disease seriously because it affects the brain.
It is a condition where a fluid builds up in the ventricles of the brain and puts pressure on the brain so much so that the head expands and if it is an infant, you discover that the brain carries more weight than the body. It disables the infant from doing any activity if not treated on time. All that an infant can do is just lie down, you have to feed, nurse and do everything. I am saying this because I lived with a child who was like that for 11 years and I know what it takes to live on a day to day basis with a person who is like that.
I felt I need to urge the Government to have a medical educational awareness to people, especially in the rural areas because when a child is born there, especially where I come from, people will just think that it has something to do with witchcraft not knowing that it is a disease that could be cured. I need to urge Government to make those awareness campaigns so that when they see a child who is like that, they quickly take him or her to the hospital for treatment. In addition, when this condition comes, it does not get cured and go away permanently, but it is a treatment that one has to have for life because they put a tube in your head to drain the fluid which is also put in your stomach so that it empties the fluid and then you can discharge it. It means that person would need monitoring on a day to day basis.
It does not only affect the person who suffers from this condition, but it also affects the persons who he or she stays with. For them to understand this, they need to be educated about it. I am of the opinion that in cases like this, counselling is needed to the parents or guardians that are staying with a person who is affected by this for them to understand and treat them accordingly. It is so frustrating, especially when you do not know what to do or how to handle these people. For instance, my niece passed on at the age of 13. She was old enough to be going to school and do all the necessary things but she was just lying there. At times when she did something, I felt frustrated and said aah, when I tried to feed her, she would refuse because she could hear but not speak. It became difficult because I would not know how to handle her. It is really frustrating. It is not a pleasant situation.
I really wish we could have qualified personnel to deal with the parents of the affected child or elderly person so that they can help each other in a proper way. I thank you.
HON. SEN. L SIBANDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 4th September, 2024.
HON. SEN. PHULU: On a point of order. Just before we adjourn, there is a grievous error which I saw on the Order Paper; it means a motion might lapse tomorrow. I notice that Senator Ndlovu is not here, the mover of Order No. 14 and it is on 20 days. If it could be checked that he is here tomorrow in order to make sure that it does not lapse because it is an important motion. If it lapses, it cannot be introduced again. I was just pointing that out so that they do not forget. He needs to be here tomorrow to wind it up.
On the motion of HON. SEN. GOTORA, seconded by HON. SEN. TONGOGARA, the House adjourned at Eleven Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.