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SENATE HANSARD 26 NOVEMBER 2024 VOL 34 NO 14
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 26th November, 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
HALF-DAY POST BUDGET SEMINAR
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I wish to inform the Senate that on Monday, the 2nd of December, 2024, there will be a half day Post Budget Seminar in the Multipurpose Hall starting at 0830 hours and ending at 1300 hours. All Senators are invited to attend. So, this is after the presentation of the Budget on Thursday.
RECOMMITTAL OF THE PRIVATE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION’S BILL [H. B. 2A, 2024.]
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I also want to inform the Senate that in terms of Standing Order Number 147, an omission was noted in the Private Voluntary Organisations Bill [H. B. 2A, 2024.] where some amendments that were made in the National Assembly were not included in the consolidated text that was brought before the Senate. Accordingly, the Bill will be recommitted to the Committee of the whole House tomorrow.
VISITORS IN THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE’S GALLERY
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have to recognise the presence of the Tanzanian Parliament Staff in the President of the Senate’s Gallery. They are on a benchmarking visit to the Parliament of Zimbabwe’s Information and Communication Technology Department. You may stand up, you are very welcome.
(Tanzanian Parliament staff stood up) - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you Mr. President. Mine is a point of national interest. My one-minute statement is relevant to issues of treatment of motions in this House. My worry is deepened by answers that I got last week when we requested to know how motions are treated. In the last Session, this august House actually resolved and passed more than a dozen motions.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Sorry, you mean Private Members’ Motions?
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Yes, of all the work that happened. If my memory serves me right, only one motion was responded to by the Minister. Others did not get any response from the Ministers. The answer we got when we questioned this, is that as long as those motions which we adopted have no joy of the Minister, then they are of no relevance.
So, Mr. President, my prayer is that although you have shouted using your hoarse voice as well about responses from Ministers on the Business of this House, nothing has changed and improved. It is sad that we research, put forth motions, debate them and the only thing that happens is that those motions are of no value at all. Therefore, my prayer is that beyond what you have done to raise this issue to the Minister, extraordinary measures be taken to make sure that the work of this august House is not lost to lack of interest of the Executive and Ministers. Thank you Mr. President.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Thank you Hon. Senator Zvidzai. I can assure you; the Chair fully agrees with the observations which you have made. Extra ordinary efforts, as you have put it, will be made, including perhaps communicating with the authorities about this apparent lack of interest in the affairs of this august House. Thank you.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS, COMMUNITY SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT (HON. SEN. M. MUTSVANGWA): I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 3 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Mr. President, those motions, I have noted, one is on day three and they will keep being moved off until on the final day, the Minister will appear and he will stand up and those motions will be passed. There are all these days that have lapsed, when we could have debated these motions. Secondly, we do not even have those agreements placed before Parliament. We are supposed to ratify those agreements but you have never bothered to place these before us.
The trick that the Hon. Ministers are using, they come here- why can they not come and move their motion, leave it, we debate it even when they are not there? They come on the final day and we finalise the debate, just like anything and we adopt. We think that this House is being hoodwinked in as far as these ratifications are concerned. I am merely expressing my concern, without necessarily asking that they not be moved over because the Ministers are not here. My concern is on day number last, so we are actually given one day to debate, yet they are supposed to be on the Order Paper for quite a number of days for us to consider.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Senator Phulu. I again share your concerns with you but there are perhaps one or two issues which I must mention. These motions are supposed to be shared with you, electronically. Have they not been shared with you electronically? [HON. SENATORS: No.] – Okay, the Clerk is coming to explain to me.
The Clerk of Parliament approached the Chair.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I am being advised that these agreements were done in the last session. So, they should have been circulated to you electronically. If they were not, I am asking the staff to re-circulate them but I am told that these agreements have been carried over from the last session. Secondly, today is not a particularly good day. It is a Tuesday; even though I am seeing one Minister present, I am assuming that the other Ministers are still sitting. For Tuesday, at least, it is a bad day because Ministers are in Cabinet doing their constitutional obligation. With that explanation, I am sure there will be no objections. Then we will move over Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 3, until all the other Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to add my voice on the Presidential Speech. I stand before you to commend the State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered by His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa. His address provides a visionary blueprint for a strong, united and resilient Zimbabwe. As we digest the themes of his speech, we find affirmation of ZANU PF’s role as a ruling party and Government, echoing national stability, sovereignty and development. ZANU PF enduring commitment to the principles of unit and inclusive progress remain pivotal, especially given the challenges…
HON. SEN. MANYENGAVANA: On a point of order, the Hon. Member is debating for the second time. She debated before on the same motion.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: She has debated before, are you sure? – [HON.MANYENGAVANA: Very sure.] –
The Clerk of Parliament approached the Chair.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Honourable, you are mistaken.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President. I stand before this august House to comment on the State of the Nation Address by His Excellency the President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa. His address provides a regional arable blueprint for a strong united and resilient Zimbabwe. As we digest the themes of his speech, we must find affirmation of ZANU PF's role as the party which is ruling and the Government. Avowing national stability sovereignty and development, ZANU PF’s enduring commitment to the principles of unity and inclusive progress remains pivotal, especially given the ongoing challenges Zimbabwe faces.
This House and our citizens must therefore continue supporting the Government's developmental agenda which not only aims to transform the economy but also fortifies our nation’s dignity in the global community. In his State of Nation Address, Mr. President, His Excellency President E.D Mnangagwa gave us an insight into how real climate change is and how best we should mitigate it. Climate change has now asserted itself as a defining issue of our time, one that threatens the very foundation of our agricultural economy and the well-being of our people. This is not just an environmental concern but a matter of economic and social urgency.
Droughts and unprecedented weather patterns are depleting our food supplies, risking rural livelihoods and destabilising agricultural productivity. To address this, I commend a multi-pronged approach that includes enhanced investment in climatic smart agriculture such as crop diversification and the promotion of drought resilient seeds. We must also all expand water harvesting initiatives such as small dams and reservoirs could provide crucial irrigation support.
Further, an expansion of the Government’s irrigation schemes particularly in drought-prone regions would be invaluable. We must also develop community-based resilience programmes to empower local farmers with techniques and resources for sustainable adaptation. This combination of structural and local support will enable our communities to withstand climate change and reduce dependence on emergency food relief. According to the State of the Nation Address by His Excellency, the success of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme deserves our collective applause. This climate-proofing agriculture initiative has greatly alleviated food insecurity and empowered our small-scale farmers by providing necessary inputs and training. Pfumvudza has given farmers the resilience to survive erratic rainfall. I urge that this programme be extended with greater funding and logistical support to reach more farmers across Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, linking Pfumvudza participants with local agro-businesses could enhance local access for smallholder farmers, ensuring they can sell their surplus produce profitably. To this end, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement could consider integrating digital platforms to connect rural farmers with urban markets thereby boosting rural communities while feeding urban centres sustainably.
Additionally, His Excellency, President E.D. Mnangagwa explained that the mining sector continues to attract favourable investments. Hon. Senators, Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth remains one of our greatest untapped assets. Our reserves of lithium gold, platinum and other precious minerals present a unique opportunity to drive industrialisation and long-term economic growth. However, the majority of these resources are exported raw yielding minimal value and missing out on the benefits of value addition.
I propose we prioritise the establishment of beneficiation plans beginning with a lithium plant. Lithium is a key component to electric vehicle that has a soaring demand globally. If Zimbabwe advances the local production of lithium batteries, it will unlock a significant opportunity to provide households with affordable, sustainable electricity solutions. Given Zimbabwe’s abundant lithium reserves, developing a domestic lithium battery manufacturing industry can drive down energy shortage costs, making renewable energy like solar more accessible to families across the country. This strategic move not only strengthens energy security but also aligns with our goals for economic growth, job creation and energy self-sufficiency. Affordable lithium batteries will empower communities to harness solar and other renewable sources, ensuring a resilient greater future for Zimbabwe. A beneficiation plant would enable Zimbabwe to capture more of this value chain enhancing our export earnings creating jobs and positioning Zimbabwe as a strategic player in the global energy transition.
I recommend that a portion of the National Budget be allocated to this beneficiation initiative with targeted incentives for investors and public-private partnership to facilitate rapid implementation. Furthermore, setting up a policy framework that ensures a certain percentage of our minerals undergo local beneficiation will transform our mineral sector into a driver of wealth for the country – [HON MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
On the infrastructure front, President E. D. Mnangagwa emphasised widespread infrastructure development projects that have resulted in positive spill-offs across other sectors of the economy. Hon. Senators, the ongoing construction of roads and other essential infrastructure is essential for Zimbabwe's connectivity to economic integration.
The roads facilitate trade, tourism and access to services, contributing significantly to rural development and economic diversification. While we celebrate these gains, I emphasise the critical need for a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that projects adhere to the highest standards. By appointing independent monitoring and evaluation bodies and establishing public reporting on projects, funds and timelines, we can safeguard these investments from corruption and inefficiency.
In addition, I recommend enacting policies that enforce transparency and allow for community involvement in the oversight process. Community feedback mechanisms can serve as an additional layer of accountability, ensuring infrastructure development reflects national standards and local needs.
Mr. President, His Excellency gave us an insight into the introduction of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and how it lays a strong foundation for achieving Zimbabwe's Vision 2030. This strategy, with its focus on inclusive economic growth, represents a decisive step towards fostering a balanced and robust economy.
I urge that specific sectors within NDS2, especially agriculture, manufacturing and technology, be given focused and measurable targets along with budgetary allocations to actualise these goals. To keep NDS2 on track, periodic reviews and assessments must be conducted involving not only Government agencies but all representatives from civil society, academia and the private sector. Such a participatory approach will allow NDS2 to be adaptive and responsive to emerging national and global challenges.
Moreover, in terms of economic sovereignty Mr. President, the adoption of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) as our local currency represents a landmark step towards strengthening our monetary autonomy. The successful stabilisation of ZiG could allow Zimbabweans to conduct daily transactions in their currency rather than relying on foreign denominations. However, to solidify the currency's position, we must combat the influence of the black market.
To achieve this, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe should amplify its use of social media platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn to publish real-time exchange rates and curb speculative practices. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe should undertake comprehensive public sensitisation initiatives aimed at educating citizens on the value, purpose and long-term significance of the Zimbabwe Gold currency. By clearly communicating the benefits and adopting ZiG as a stable, home-grown currency, these initiatives would help build confidence and trust in its usage.
Through workshops, media campaigns and community outreach programmes, the RBZ can dispel misconceptions, address public concerns and promote an understanding of how ZiG can contribute to economic stability and growth. Such efforts would also counteract misinformation, particularly from parallel market influences, fostering a sense of national pride and encouraging Zimbabweans to embrace ZiG as a symbol of economic sovereignty and resilience. Furthermore, enacting stricter regulations against currency manipulators will help stabilise the value of ZiG.
Our goal should be to create a robust economic environment where international visitors feel compelled to change their money for ZiG as is the common practice in other countries. This will not only affirm Zimbabwe's economic stability but also foster a national sense of pride and confidence in our currency.
Mr. President, lastly His Excellency, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa addressed the critical need to expedite our legislative processes. Zimbabwe's progress depends significantly on the enactment of laws that are timely, relevant and responsive to the needs of our citizens. Currently, the shortage of legislative drafters is a major bottleneck, delaying the passage of crucial Bills. I recommend that the Executive considers establishing specialised training programmes for legislative drafters, possibly in partnership with institutions specialising in law and governance.
Additionally, supporting the legal drafting process with increased funding and technical resources will ensure that critical aspects of the Government keep pace with Zimbabwe's legislative needs. This will also enhance Parliament's efficiency in passing progressive laws aligned with Vision 2030 and Zimbabwe's socio-economic aspirations.
In conclusion, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency on his assumption of the SADC Chairmanship – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.]- This prestigious role is a testament to your commitment to advancing regional co-operation, stability and prosperity. Under your leadership, we are confident that the Southern African Development Community will continue to make remarkable strides in addressing shared challenges and achieving our collective vision. May your tenure be marked by unity, progress and enduring impact on all Member States.
I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency and the relevant ministries for their unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe's progress. The President's leadership continues to inspire hope and drive tangible progress across all sectors. As Senators, let us rally behind these initiatives and advocate for a Zimbabwe that is prosperous, resilient and unified. This is our moment to create a legacy of growth and prosperity for generations to come. I submit. Thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. ZINDI: Thank you Mr. President. I also rise to lend my support to His Excellency's State of the Nation Address speech. In my contribution and observations, I shall speak on delays in bringing Bills to Parliament. I shall also speak about poverty and its consequences, also about Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and corporate governance. Finally, to do with the issue on agriculture.
Mr. President, it is my concern, particularly on the matter to do with the delay in bringing Bills that should be enacted into law to govern ourselves. I want to believe, Mr. President, the whole essence of having a Parliament, the whole essence of going for elections and electing representatives that should represent the electorate, those who cannot speak for themselves, is to ensure that we enact laws that suit our needs and expectations. In terms of fulfilling the reason why we had to wage an armed struggle in order for us to be independent, it really disturbs me for His Excellency to repeatedly speak about delays in enacting laws and in particular, the Mines and Minerals Act.
Mr. President, this Act, which is still superintending over us, as Zimbabweans, was enacted by Rhodesians and specifically for the interests of the Rhodesians, not any other but roughly 40, nearly 50 years after Independence, we still have that law governing us. We are oppressing ourselves. – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] - This Act, Mr. President, was enacted in 1961, the year I was born. You can imagine. Then I had to go and also participate in the liberation struggle to remove the bondage of colonialism. Here I am, I am talking about the same legislation that oppressed us, which is still oppressing us today. – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] -
My question is, why is there not that urgency to change and suit our interests as Zimbabweans, having noted the blood that was spilled in order for us to be independent? We are a revolutionary party that is governing this country. What does revolution mean? What is the definition of revolution? It means a complete change of a system. Why do we not change the system to suit our needs? Where is our urgency? Where are our priorities? – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] - I am lamenting as I am saying this because I am also nearing my grave and it is still the status quo.
Therefore, my appeal to our Executive is to say, those areas which do matter, there is that need for that urgency for change to take place. We embarked on a land reform revolution but there is no peace, Mr. President. Farmers and miners, there are disputes all over as a result of this piece of legislation which was enacted in 1961. Farmers and miners are in disputes all over this country. It is taking a toll on the production, agricultural production. People are up and down wanting to resolve these conflicts which are coming up as a result of the same piece of legislation enacted by Rhodesians. We are doing this for the nation, not for an individual but for the prosperity of this country and the total economic emancipation of Zimbabweans.
I therefore repeatedly appeal to our Executive, those in charge of such Bills to find means and ways of ensuring that these Bills sail through and become laws that suit our needs as Zimbabweans.
Let me also come to the issue that was alluded to by His Excellency the President in regards to peace, unity and security for all people. While I commend that, I am of the opinion that for peace to prevail, there ought to be that self-sufficiency and economic emancipation for the people of Zimbabwe. Currently, the situation as it is obtaining, we see poverty which has consequences multi-faceted in different forms. We see early pregnancies, armed robberies, prostitution and as much as our President wants us to have peace, as l alluded to earlier on, if we do not work together in terms of urgently enacting laws that appeal to us as Zimbabwe to prosper, we will see ourselves wondering around the same place. If I may say so.
The other area of my interest which his Excellency alluded to as well, is the good corporate governance of ZIMSEC. That Bill should also have the urgency it requires. I am saying so because a case in point is to do with corruption in regards to employment. I want to give a good example which most of us have read about. A certain lady - I am not being spiteful of ladies - no, but giving a concrete example, was employed by ZIMSEC without the requisite qualifications and therefore, this is a call by His Excellency to fight corruption. For such areas, we need to act urgently and it is my second appeal to the Executive, the Minister responsible to ensure that this Bill sails through in order for good corporate governance to obtain within this examination body, ZIMSEC. We have read so many stories which I cannot quote but we are all aware in this House that it is happening. Examinations are leaking and that is a clear demonstration of non-good corporate governance hence my appeal once again for the urgency it requires for the Bill to sail through so as to ensure that good corporate governance obtains within that body.
Finally, His Excellency the President alluded to good rains this coming season. We are all together in support of His Excellency fully. In addition to that, there is a latest development which I am very much in support of that His Excellency has taken, which is to ensure that all resettled farmers A1, 99 year lease holders and all those who have been resettled, should have transferable and bankable title deeds. I applaud that and I am in full support of His Excellency when he speaks of agriculture being the backbone of this economy as it has always been. What has been hampering to most of us as farmers was lack of funding to support our agricultural activities because our offer letters and 99 year lease agreements were not bankable. This is a landmark position that we should applaud His Excellency for ensuring that deed of grants, transferable deeds should be given to all those who have been resettled so that people become productive on their farms and we become food sufficient. That is all we need as Zimbabweans and we go back to the same status-quo that at one time, Rhodesia was into Zimbabwe as a bread basket. That can only be done if people access funding from the banks. With these observations, I want to thank you Mr. President for affording me the opportunity to also lend my support to His Excellency’s State of the Nation Address. I thank you.
MOTION
RESTORATION OF THE MOTION ON CHILD MORTALITY RATE DUE TO MEASLES ON THE ORDER PAPER
HON. SEN. MLILO: Noting the obligations that the Government has in terms of national, regional and international conventions all aimed at protecting the rights of children, in particular the right to good health and right to life;
Further noting the vulnerability of children which requires active parental and State support and protection and that measles immunisation in Zimbabwe is compulsory to all children by the Act of law….
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order, I am being advised, Hon. Senator Mlilo, that you are restoring your motion which lapsed in the last Session. Is that correct?
HON. SEN. MLILO: That is correct.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: So, you are not debating. You have to stand up and say I move that my motion be restored. It will be restored and thereafter you will debate some other day.
HON. SEN. MLILO: I move that the motion on child mortality which was superseded by the end of the First Session of the Tenth Parliament be restored on the Order Paper.
HON. SEN. C. NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON HIV AND AIDS ON THE ART ROLL-OUT PROGRAMME AND IMPACT OF DRUG AND SUBSTANCE IN PREVENTION, TREATMENT, CURE AND SPREAD OF HIV AND AIDS
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House considers and adopts the Report of the Thematic Committee on HIV and AIDS on the ART roll-out programme and the impact of drug and substance in prevention, treatment, cure and spread of HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and cardiovascular diseases.
HON. SEN. CHAKABUDA: I second.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA:
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Zimbabwe is on its course of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3.3 to end the epidemic of AIDS by 2030 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which recognises health as fundamental human right. It has ratified various international treaties including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which obligate the States to ensure access to essential health services, including HIV treatment and care.
1.2 Section 76 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe states that every person has the right to health care services, including reproductive health care. This provision mandates the Government to ensure accessibility of health services for persons living with HIV and AIDS. It was against this background that prompted the Committee to embark on factfinding visits and public hearings to inquire into the ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) roll-out programme and the impact of drug and substance abuse in prevention, treatment, cure and spread of HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and cardiovascular diseases, specifically targeting rural communities. These inquiries aimed to assess the effectiveness, challenges, impacts of ART distribution and related HIV/AIDS initiatives, and impact of drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe's rural communities.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
2.1 The objectives of the fact-finding visits and public hearings were to:
- Assess the availability and accessibility of Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in rural and peri-urban areas;
- Appreciate and verify HIV/AIDS initiatives implemented by NAC, Ministry of Health and Child Care, and development partners in rural communities;
iii. Appreciate the role of Voluntary Health Workers (VHWs)/Community Health Workers in the implementation of ART programmes for HIV/AIDS in all communities; and
- Ascertain the programmes implemented to address the
impact of drugs and substance abuse in treatment, prevention, curing of HIV/AIDS, STIs and cardiovascular diseases.
3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 The Committee conducted oral evidence meetings with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and NAC. Discussions during the meeting covered topics on strategies for preventing new HIV infections and managing cardiovascular risks associated with drug and substance abuse, challenges hindering the uptake of ART, particularly among substance abusers, support services provided to PLHIV, measures and strategies implemented to mitigate ARV shortages and enhance programme awareness.
3.2 The Committee received written submissions from the NAC on the existing development partners and the different roles they play in supporting the national HIV and AIDS Programme in the country.
3.3 Subsequently, the Committee conducted fact-finding visits and held public consultations in selected rural districts from the 2nd to the 14th of June 2024. These visits included rural districts hospitals in Tsholotsho, Mangwe, Mberengwa, Chivi, Guruve, Raffingora, Mutawatawa and specific visits to healthcare facilities including Luveve Opportunistic Infection Clinic (OIC), Mpilo OIC, Bruna OIC and Tariro Clinic.
4.0 COMMITTEE FINDINGS
4.1. HIV and AIDS Programmes implemented by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, National AIDS Council and development partners.
4.1.1. During the Committee's engagement with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the National AIDS Council (NAC), several key programmes addressing HIV/AIDS and drug and substance abuse were highlighted as follows;
- Video Film Screenings outreach and SRHR dialogues. These were school and youth based sensitisation activities targeting the adolescent girls and boys as well as youth in tertiary institutions through video screenings and dialogues on issues of drug and substance abuse, teenage pregnancies, child marriages, ART adherence and other sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
- Cluster and District School Quizzes- These quizzes were used to sensitize urban and rural school pupils on drug and substance abuse, HIV, STIs and tuberculosis (TB) and this was done through the NAC.
iii. Peer-Led, Sista2Sista (S2S) and DREAMS programmes- Conducted in both urban and rural areas and hot spot areas, these programmes focus on reducing new HIV infections among high-risk population such as Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYWs), small scale miners and farmers. These programmes were done through different development partners in various communities.
- Anti-Drug Campaigns- The Committee found out that there was a National Drug Taskforce made up of different stakeholders from both government entities and civil society organisations conducting anti-drug campaigns in schools and communities, workplace programmes and partnerships targeting individuals involved in drug and substance abuse.
4.1.2 The Committee observed that the rehabilitation centres used for treating and caring for individuals affected by drugs and substances were primarily referral hospitals located in provincial and metropolitan cities. These facilities were predominantly mental health centres designed for treating mental health patients.
4.2 Statistics of Persons Living with HIV and AIDS
4.2.1 The Committee found out that in all visited districts, there was clear disaggregated data of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS. Notably, women living with HIV had the highest number as they were open to getting tested during antenatal services, which was a prerequisite for maternal registration. In the visited areas, the statistics were as follows:
|
DISTRICT/ PROVINCE |
TOTAL NO. OF PLWHIV |
NUMBER OF WOMEN |
NUMBER OF MEN |
NUMBER OF CHILDREN |
|
Tsholotsho (Matebeleland North) |
18404 |
10 778 |
5 755 |
977 |
|
Mangwe (Matebeleland South) |
14669 |
9103 |
5175 |
391 |
|
Luveve (Bulawayo) |
4981 |
3012 |
1919 |
50 |
|
Mberengwa (Midlands) |
19057 |
11300 |
7757 |
1074 |
|
Chivi (Masvingo) |
17 158 |
11201 |
5957 |
590 |
|
Guruve (Mashonaland Central) |
17202 |
11233 |
5969 |
590 |
|
Mutawatawa (Mashonaland East) |
7078 |
4071 |
2720 |
287 |
|
Zvimba/ Raffingora (Mashonaland West) |
24705 |
12846 |
11859 |
|
4.3 Compliance with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Programmes
4.3.1 The Committee learnt from the public that the initiative by the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Health and Child Care and NAC in treatment and cure of HIV and AIDS and STIs was commendable. In all the visited districts, it was confirmed that the country met the 95-95-95 target, that is 95% of people who are living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of all diagnosed with HIV infection receiving treatment and 95% of all those on treatment achieving viral suppression.
The Committee was informed that all ARV regimens were readily available and individuals who test positive were promptly enrolled in the ART roll-out programme across the rural health facilities. The effective enrolment and adherence to ART regimens indicated a positive response to treatment initiatives, reflecting the success of ongoing healthcare interventions.
4.3.2 The Committee found out that the Ministry of Health and Child Care had no record of out of stock for ARVs in some health institutions, thereby reducing the risk of opportunistic infections among PLWHIV. Other preventative medications such as Preexposure prophylaxis (PReP) and Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) were confirmed to be readily available for clients.
4.3.3 However, in Tsholotsho, they reported that they sometimes experience limited stock of ARVs. Therefore, they repackage their ART into smaller quantities, that is, from three months' supply per patient to as low as one week when supplies were significantly low. They highlighted that sometimes ART centres borrow supplies from each other in order to meet demand. However, they reported that they never had to send patients away without drugs. The Committee was informed that the ideal situation was to have six months' worth of drug supplies.
4.3.4 Additionally, the Committee was updated on challenges with regards to the access of pediatrics medication and second line Tuberculosis (TB) medications and the clients were being given these medications for a specific monthly period to avoid running out of stock.
4.4 HIV and AIDS Community ART service delivery models.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care and the NAC in different rural districts were implementing different models for ART medication collection for PLWHIV to reduce chances of defaulting. These models were highlighted as follows:
4.4.1 Malaicha Model
4.4.1.1 The Committee was informed that there were many PLWHIV who migrated to other countries such as South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana. In order to ensure that these clients do not default, health institutions were implementing the Malaicha model wherein the clients will register a cross-border transporter who will then collect medication for a group of clients for a specific period, ranging from 3 to 6 months using their medication cards and files. However, there were feared challenges of late monitoring of the CD4 counts and also challenges at border posts because the Malaichas were not registered distributors of medicines, resulting in medication confiscation and client default.
4.4.2 Community ART Refill Group (CARG)
4.4.2.1 The Committee noted that in ART roll-out programmes, PLWHIV form their groups of clients who voluntarily take turns visiting clinics to collect antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all group members. The Committee learnt that this reduces the frequency of clinic visits, thereby saving time and money for group members and the groups also provided emotional and informational support among group members, thereby improving adherence to ART and addressing barriers.
4.4.3 Family ART Refill Group (FARG)
4.4.3.1 The Committee witnessed that PLWHIV accessed their medication through close family groups so as to curtail on the issues of stigmatisation in accessing medication. The Committee was informed on the importance of these family groups in tracking defaulters and reminding PLWHIV about CD4 count check-ups thereby reducing the workload at health facilities.
4.4.4. Community Adolescent Treatment Supporter Model (CATS)
4.4.4.1 The Committee learnt that CATS is a community model meant for effective implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, cure and awareness programmes. It was highlighted that CATS was responsible for facilitating support groups and mainly target support groups for children, adolescents and young people living with HIV. CATS played an important role of defaulter tracking, collection and distribution of HIV medication to the members in communities so as to reduce the distances travelled to the health collection facilities.
4.4.5 The Committee found out that although the Government made efforts of setting up different centres for accessing and collecting ARV and other medication, PLWHIV bemoaned on the following:
4.4.5.1 Long Distance to ART OIC
That there were other people who had to travel long distances to access the health facilities for their ART. This was also highlighted by District Coordinators from NAC and District Medical Officers indicating the catchment areas of their health facilities.
4.4.5.2 Stigma Associated with Some Programmes
Public feedback highlighted lingering stigma associated with certain HIV/AIDS and substance abuse programmes. The Committee was informed that while administration of ART had been running smoothly, PLHIV and AIDS felt stigmatised because ART was distributed either from clinics specifically set aside for ART or designated rooms in health care institutions as opposed to integrated clinics or health institutions. This made people who receive ART to be easily visible. It was highlighted that people who were on ART were usually given a green book or green file with all their health and treatment information, this sets them apart and stigmatises them. PLHIV and AIDS were sometimes deterred from receiving ART by this 'special treatment, thereby undermining efforts to achieve comprehensive health outcomes.
4.4.5.3. Blood Testing for HIV Monitoring
In Mangwe District, it was reported that although CD4 count machines were available, the hospital had to seek assistance from other hospitals for the service because of unavailability of reactive agents. The Committee was informed that in terms of viral load testing, the hospital had to send its samples to Plumtree and Mpilo Hospital and the results take six weeks if there was no backlog. In Luveve, the Committee was informed that CD4 count was not being carried out as test kits were not available and that viral load testing was being processed at Mpilo Hospital. All the healthcare centres were in need of viral load machines to help with the monitoring of HIV positive patients' progress.
4.4.5.4 Shortage of Human Resources
The Committee noted that most of the health care facilities were not adequately staffed to deal with the volumes of patients who need care, resulting in people queuing for long periods to get their ART supplies. For instance, St. Annes in Mangwe and Luveve reported that they only had two registered nurses in their OIC units.
4.4.5.5. Food shortages
PLWHIV lamented that due to the drought and economic challenges, they did not have enough food to take before their intake of medication. In addition, PLWHIV also brought to the Committee’s attention that HIV conditions required nutritious diet and due to the drought, they were faced with nutritional challenges.
4.5 Roles and Contributions of Voluntary Health Workers.
4.5.1 The Committee was updated on the roles and importance of Voluntary Community Workers in ARV roll-out programmes as follows:
- Voluntary Health Workers played an important role in sensitisation of both PLWHIV and the other community members about HIV/AIDS, STIs and other diseases. They distributed condoms and other prevention methods to the communities.
- They assisted in defaulter and contact tracking through contacting clients who had defaulted their medication and those to be enrolled into ART Programme. However, in Mberengwa, the authorities reported that follow up on patients was difficult as the population was highly mobile because of the gold rush and that some patients, especially the artisanal miners provide false identification and addresses for fear of stigmatisation.
- The members of the public confirmed to the Committee that Voluntary Health Workers assisted their Community ART Refill Groups in collection of medications, reminding them about quarterly monitoring and checking of CD4 counts.
- The Voluntary Health Workers assist health institutions in monitoring of other non-communicable diseases through home services such as BP checks, sugar testing among others.
4.5.2 The Committee noted that Voluntary Health Workers faced challenges of transport in the execution of their duties. Most of the VHW used their own resources to cover transport costs and stationery. These VHWs were sometimes provided with bicycles or motorcycles, but these were only given seldomly. The VHWs were not entitled to any salary except for some quarterly $15USD airtime.
4.6 Impact of Drugs and Substance Abuse in the Treatment, Prevention and Cure of HIV and STIs.
The Committee noted that in all the visited districts, the society was more concerned about the most commonly abused drugs which were illicit alcohol (njengu or kambwa), marijuana, crystal myth and many others. The Committee was informed that these drugs and alcohol were sold by local suppliers. The members of the public and health officials presented the following negative impact of drugs in HIV programmes.
4.6.1 New Infections for HIV and STIs
4.6.1.1 The Committee was informed by the public and health care officials that drug and substance abuse had become a catalyst for the spread of HIV and STIs especially among the youth and adolescents. This was confirmed to be attributed to risky behaviours, such as unprotected sex and the use of injectable drugs. The Committee was also informed about the cross-infections of STIs and HIV resulting from unprotected sexual activities.
4.6.2 Defaulting and Improper Uptake of HIV Medication
4.6.2.1 The members of the public brought to the Committee’s attention that drug addiction and consumption caused serious challenges in the uptake of HIV medications. It was reported that drug abusers got intoxicated by drugs for a period of 24 to 36 hours leaving them unconscious and such behaviour resulted in poor adherence on their daily dose intake.
4.6.3 In response to drug and substance abuse, it was revealed that NAC played a crucial role within the Demand Reduction Pillar (headed by the Ministry of Youth) and the Harm Reduction Pillar (headed by the Ministry of Health) of the Drug and Substance Abuse Pillars. This involvement includes mainstreaming drug and substance abuse into all community outreach programmes through community cadres. Furthermore, initiatives like the Young People’s Network on Sexual Reproductive Health, HIV and AIDS were said to target the youth to combat drug and substance abuse through integrated HIV prevention programmes.
4.6.4 However, during the consultations, it was highlighted that there were challenges related to the coordination and implementation of drug and substance abuse response strategies at the grassroots level. Fragmented efforts and insufficient integration into community structures limit the effectiveness of interventions targeting substance abuse prevention and treatment.
4.6.5 Additionally, members of the public raised concern that drug and substance abuse in their communities was being fueled by unemployment and the idleness of the youth. Economic challenges and unavailability of functional recreational facilities was affecting the youth, thereby resorting to drugs and substances. On the other hand, members of the public bemoaned to the Committee that the recent triumph of children’s rights had also contributed to issues of drug and substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, school drop-outs and the rise in adolescent HIV infections because parents desist from using corporal punishment on their children.
5.0 COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS
5.1 The Committee observed that there was still stigmatisation for PLWHIV in some health institutions as HIV patients had unique files and get their medication at their own points different from other general patients.
5.2 The Committee noted that the Ministry of Health and Child Care, NAC and different supporting partners had successfully implemented all the HIV/AIDS programmes in all districts across the country.
5.3 It was noted that the Ministry of Health and Child Care had an adequate supply of ART medication for the treatment of HIV and did not experience stock shortages of ARVs in several provinces.
5.4 The Committee noted with concern that the availability of T.B medication was a challenge in almost all the health facilities in the country. The patients were not getting the full set of the TB medication hence they were required to buy for themselves.
5.5 It was observed that the PLWHIV had high compliance and adherence to medication since there was lower mother to child transmission, lower number of defaulters and also a record of long life for PLWHIV.
5.6 The Committee applauded the Government for the multi-stakeholder approach implemented in the fight against drug and substances in communities. NAC and the Ministry of Health and Child Care took a leading role by mainstreaming drug and substance abuse into all community outreach programmes.
5.7 The Committee expressed great concern on the unavailability of public rehabilitation centres for individuals affected by drugs and substances across the country. It was noted that all health facilities in Zimbabwe relied on existing mental health institutions such as Ngomahuru, Ingutsheni and Parirenyatwa Annex for the rehabilitation of drug addicts.
5.8 It was observed that some people living with HIV (PLWHIV) travel long distances, often more than 10 kilometers to reach a health facility for medication collection and routine reviews, which may contribute to medication defaulting.
5.9 The Committee noted with concern that youth unemployment and idleness was the major cause of drug and substance abuse in different communities.
5.10 The Committee observed that there were difficulties in accessing HIV and AIDS services and ARVs by people with disabilities mostly due to communication barriers, inaccessibility of the health facilities and stereotypes.
6.0 Recommendations
Based on the findings and observations above, the Committee recommends that:
6.1 Ministry of Health and Child Care and NAC should conduct outreach programmes on quarterly basis on mobile distribution of ARVs, awareness campaigns in hot spots and remote areas where medications, testing and treatment is provided.
6.2 Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare through the Social Welfare Department should engage in the provision of food and nutritional packs to PLWHIV and children as from 31 December 2024.
6.3 The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion should timeously disburse the funds allocated for the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure the procurement and purchasing of T.B and Pediatric medication for PLWHIV by 31 December 2024.
6.4 The Ministry of Health and Child Care through the 2025 National budget should request for funds for the construction of drug addiction rehabilitation centres.
6.5 The Ministry of Youth and Vocational Training should consider enrolment of persons rehabilitated from drugs and substances into programmes at different vocational training centres to empower them with skills and expertise for indigenous jobs by January 2025.
6.6 The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, in the 2025 budget, should consider an increase in the budget allocations of the Ministry of Health and Child Care to incorporate monthly salaries and also tools of trade such as transport, stationery and uniforms for village health workers.
6.7 The Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should engage on bilateral agreements with neighbouring SADC countries for the provision of ART medication in their countries or formalised transportation of medication to the clients across the border by 31 December 2024.
6.8 The Ministry of Health and Child Care in conjunction with the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and Ministry of Public Service and
Social Welfare should train health personnel on communication with people with disabilities with regards to accessing HIV and AIDS services by 31 December 2024.
6.9 The Ministry of Health and Child Care with the help of its partners should provide a token of appreciation in monetary value to the Village Health Workers as they are the frontline workers that bridge the gap between health facilities in rural and urban communities.
6.10. Ministry of Health and Child Care and the National AIDS Council should scale up awareness on the stigmatisation related to the HIV and AIDS.
7.0 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the inquiry highlighted significant achievements and identified critical areas for improvement in the ART roll-out programme. Despite an adequate supply of ART medication in several provinces, challenges such as the lack of public rehabilitation centres for drug and substance abuse and the long distances travelled by PLWHIV for medication collection need urgent attention. These insights underscore the necessity for targeted interventions to improve accessibility, enhance public health infrastructure and support comprehensive community health initiatives. These will guide future actions to strengthen the ART programme, address the impact of drug and substance abuse and contribute to ending the AIDS epidemic in Zimbabwe by 2030.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: (Speaking)…I thank you.
I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHAKABUDA: I second:
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 27th November, 2024.
MOTION
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO PROSECUTOR-GENERAL FOR UPHOLDING THE DIGNITY OF THE GENERAL NOTICE 870 OF 2024
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on transparency of the operations of the Prosecutor General's Office.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you Mr. President for this opportunity to support this very important motion, which seeks to applaud the Prosecutor General for publishing guidelines, prosecutorial guidelines. The major purpose of this is to ensure that there is transparency in the administration of justice, make sure that there is fairness in the dispensation of justice and protect the rights of suspects and the accused.
So, concerning that, we would like to applaud the Prosecutor General for laying it bare so that in the event of being accused, we are able to predetermine an expectation based on the rules and guidelines. Mr. President, I have just seen Hon. Mavenyengwa walking out. He comes from where I come from and we have a saying where we come from, that tinotenda maruva tadya chakata. In other words, when you see a flowering fruit tree, you can only celebrate once you begin to see fruits coming out of it.
Mr. President, whereas the mover of the motion applauds the Prosecutor General for doing this, which I do join to some extent but I can only fully celebrate if I can see that justice indeed is being dispensed, is being enjoyed by all people of Zimbabwe, accused, criminal and whatever, they expect justice according to the rules and guidelines provided by the Prosecutor General.
Lo and behold Mr. President, in the past, in 1959 I think, the preventive detention law was passed by the colonial regime which allowed people to be detained on a preventive basis. This is why Umdala wethu Joshua Nkomo had to stay so long in jail without trial. This is why Edson Zvobgo and Dr. Josh stayed together, the two of them, isolated in jail for more than six years. This is why President Robert Mugabe spent more than 11 years in jail because of such laws, Mr. President. This is why our current President nearly escaped the noose by a whisker after being detained without trial because of such laws.
We expect therefore, that as we move forward, after gaining our independence, then we respect the rights of the people accused or guilty or whatever but these people have their rights.
In the recent past and this is still being employed currently Mr. President, we have got 78 people who got arrested for gathering and praying just across the road in Avondale and they have been languishing in jail without proper trial for so long for doing nothing that is not allowed by provisions of our Bill of Rights. So, it saddens us that one hand of the justice delivery system has clear guidelines. You must deal with people on the basis of properly investigated issues. You must deal timeously with the cases of people who are accused, for justice delayed is justice denied.
So, these people are being denied justice despite clear guidelines from the Prosecutor General. I do not think and I want to quote Dr. Edson Zvobgo at one stage who said, we are fighting a system that caused them during the liberation struggle, to barricade their windows and doors in fear of the police. We are still in the same circumstances where we lie, sleep in our houses, gather in our houses, fearful of our police, fearful of mis-justice and fearful of a justice system that is unfair and that does not follow its own rules.
Mr. President, the 78 people deserve justice, they deserve to come out of there and they deserve to be tried if they are guilty, so be it but we cannot go back to 1959. We cannot be the same as Ian Douglas Smith in our country.
We cannot be the same as the Boers in our own country. I mean, Maurice Nyagumbo, wherever he is lying, his body must be turning to say, did I stay in jail 27 years to fight injustice and today the very same sons and daughters of Zimbabwe are suffering in the same fashion? Examples are there for all of us to know. My invitation is simply that, let us all work together to make sure that we have got a Zimbabwe where people enjoy the freedoms. These freedoms did not get to us on a silver platter, they were fought for. We fought for these, we campaigned for these, we were in movements for these, we died for these and so we must enjoy the freedoms – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
This gets me a little bit emotional, so I do not want to get that emotional. As a result, I will cut short my debate so that I keep the decorum of an Hon. Senator. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Phulu for bringing forth this aspect so that we can all say this is the system we have, test ourselves against the system. Where are the deficits? How are we going to bridge the gaps so that Zimbabweans can enjoy huZimbabwe hwavo? Thank you. – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. KAMBIZI): Thank you very much Hon. Sen. Zvidzai, the only man who rose from the dead after having died for this country.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Mr. President. I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. S. MOYO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 27th November, 2024.
MOTION
PENALTIES TO DETER CRIMES RELATED TO SILTATION AND DEFORESTATION
HON. SEN. GUMPO: Thank you Mr. President. I move the motion standing in my name that this House-
NOTING with concern the alarming rate of deforestation in the countryside which is exacerbated by uncontrolled veld fires and siltation of water bodies;
COGNISANT that deforestation and siltation are caused by human activities and have consequences to economic production as it affects livestock, game, flora and fauna and crops in general;
ALSO MINDFUL that water bodies provide the lifeline for economic development, hence the need to preserve them at all times if we are to have a legacy;
NOW, THEREFORE, resolves that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Wildlife must:
(a) Come up with stiff penalties to deter crimes related to siltation and deforestation in the country;
(b) Engage the Executive to liaise with neighbouring countries on the management and preservation of water bodies so that measures are put in place to avert siltation and pollution; and
(c) Conduct educational campaigns countrywide on the preservation of natural resources.
HON. SEN. R. M. NDLOVU: I second.
HON. SEN. GUMPO: Mr. President Sir, monitoring and evaluation of veld fires, degradation, siltation and other causes, its impact on human lives as well as livestock and other species that sustain human lives in Zimbabwe is mainly caused by human beings in our country which is already causing very serious implications on human lives. As a result, veld fires, degradation and siltation are some of the major causes of the pending disasters as a result of burning of veld fires in our country.
I am very much aware that the Zimbabwe Government is aware of the above matter and has started to make preventive measures on the serious pending climate patterns and changes and the rampant veld fires being the main cause.
I applaud the Government for making an effort to prevent these pending calamities and disasters. Furthermore, I am also aware that most measures have not started to bear the required results and that more effort needs to be done in order to prevent the pending catastrophes that are likely to happen sooner than later.
Hon. President, this is a very serious matter indeed that we cannot afford to take for granted. We are already seeing what is happening in some countries where they are witnessing serious climatic changes that are already causing devastating floods that are causing serious loss in human lives as well as infrastructure. Mr. President, the most recent floods that happened in the eastern districts of our country are a very strong warning. The floods caused very substantial damage, destruction of grass and other vegetation in Zimbabwe caused by veld fires are already resulting in massive degradation and siltation, a recipe for huge disasters that will result in huge costs to the country to try and rectify the rivers and dams that are already being seriously silted, causing a huge deficit in agricultural water that we desperately need to sustain agriculture, which is one of our major anchors of our industries.
Mr. President, we need to find out why it has become impossible to prevent veld fires in our country. Is it our laws that are too generous or just that we are not paying enough attention on this matter of veld fires? All our major rivers, the mighty Zambezi, Sanyati, Nyaodza, Gachegache, Gwayi River, the Limpopo River and many others, even the new dams that are being built are not being spared by the heavy erosion and siltation.
How safe is our Kariba Hydro Power Station from the huge river siltation around Lake Kariba? From the massive siltation, one wonders whether the current siltation is being measured in order to account for it. How about the cost of the damage? Is it being measured? If not, we need to know why it is not possible. We need to take preventative measures Mr. President, to make corrections. I thank you Mr. President for giving me a chance to table my motion.
HON. SEN. R. M. NDLOVU: Mr. President of the Senate, I thank you for affording me this opportunity to also add my voice to the motion brought to this House by Hon. Senator Gumbo. I second the proposed motion which raises a critical focus area. Deforestation leads to a number of challenges in our communities such as global warming, which is a disaster that causes other disasters such as drought, decreased rainfall and heat waves. This then affects our capacity to provide food for our own people resulting in food insecurity, famine and exposure of our people to unnecessary inability to sustain themselves.
Decreased rainfall affects a lot of other areas such as aquatic life due to siltation and decreased water levels. Many people’s livelihood is anchored on fishing in such places as Kariba. Kariba Dam has very little water now, especially, on the Zambian side they have nothing. What has happened to the fish in that area? Some people live on fish. They sell to get their livelihoods and eat but right now we do not know how far they will go before we get some good rains to make the fish available. We also have Mananda Dam in Bulilima and dams in many other areas. This calls for a number of measures to curb deforestation which degrades our environment such as the following:
- Concerted efforts should be channeled towards capacitating the law enforcement agents so that they deal with the culprits without compromising. If you go to Bulawayo, you find a chain of scotch carts all carrying firewood to go and sell to the locations in the cities. They are cutting the trees that are still growing and not the dry ones. This means that in that particular area, a lot of degradation remains and the shortage of rainfall that we have these years, we shall have no trees and it will become a serious problem in the long run in many areas.
- There is need to expand protected areas, especially in and around cities and towns where deforestation is rampant due to excessive power cuts. When there is no ZESA, people resort to cutting trees for firewood to sell and use for cooking for themselves and their families. It is not anyone’s choice but it is God’s will that there is no rain and we should provide.
- Encouraging the people to plant indigenous trees which are drought resistant would be a noble idea considering the erratic nature of our rainfall patterns.
- Promotion of sustainable land use and responsible way of cutting down trees. I think Government should try and take measures to try and be very strict with those who survive on cutting down trees for sale. They need to be controlled so that the lives of trees are not short lived.
- Sensitisation of our people on the dangers of deforestation while sensitising them on the importance of promoting sustainable use of the forests and also coming up with measures to promote the use of other means of energy such as bio-gas.
I think the awareness campaign throughout the country is the responsibility of Government. They should conscientise people on the impact of random cutting down of trees, which at the end of the day has very terrible results. So, I wish Government to take note that they should try by all means to conscientise our people on not to cut down of trees randomly all over the country. With these few remarks, I wish to thank you very much for the time you have given to me.
HON. SEN. GUMBO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday 27th November, 2024.
On the Motion of HON. SENATOR MUZENDA, seconded by HON. SENATOR TONGOGARA the Senate adjourned at Thirteen Minutes to Five o’clock p.m.