Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Zimbabwe Vice-President, Prime Minister Launch 100-Day Plan

VP, PM officially launch 100-Day Plan

VICE-PRESIDENT Joice Mujuru and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday officially launched the 100-Day Plan that represents the practical implementation of Government’s commitment to the Global Political Agreement and the Short-Term Emergency Recovery Programme.

The plan, which was crafted during a ministerial retreat in Victoria Falls in March, was put into motion on April 29 and will run until August 6.

VP Mujuru called on the United States and the European Union to lift the illegal economic sanctions they imposed on Zimbabwe to ensure the success of the 100-Day Plan.

She urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of the 100-Day Plan.

PM Tsvangirai said the plan would provide the blueprint for the implementation of key sector reforms and the initiation of essential development and rehabilitation programmes.

"The first 100 days of this Government represented the process of formulation and consolidation.

"Today with the launch of this Government’s commitment to the next 100 days, we move into the sphere of implementation.

"More importantly, this 100-Day Plan has the potential to change the culture of governance in Zimbabwe as it represents a ministerial commitment to delivery to the Zimbabwean people to which they will be able to hold individual ministers, and the Government as a whole, accountable," he said.

He underscored the need to ensure that the action plan is implemented within the set timeframes.

"I am aware that, while it is vitally important to have a coherent plan to guide our policy development and implementation, it is as important that the will exists to ensure that such a plan, once developed, is implemented.

"This is particularly relevant to a coalition Government such as ours. If all the signatories are not fully committed to abiding by the agreement to which they have appended their names, then the technical implementation of Government policy will falter," he said.

He added that retrogressive elements should not be allowed to sabotage the work of the inclusive Government.

PM Tsvangirai acknowledged that while resources were scarce, all ministers had to be aware that there were many projects and policies that could have a positive effect on people’s lives that could be introduced at little or no cost.

He also called for a buy-in by all stakeholders in the implementation of the plan.

"The reality of the situation is that we must deliver more to the people and more quickly. The citizens of this great nation have been steadfast and resolute in allowing this new Government the opportunity to prove its worth.

"The members of the civil service have allowed us to introduce an interim allowance in lieu of salaries. While this allowance is more than their previous salaries, it falls short of what their counterparts in the region receive.

"The Government is aware of this, and is grateful for their support and patience. However, there is a limit to the progress that we can make while the GPA is not fully implemented," he said.

In order to increase co-operation, communication and the efficiency in the implementation of the plan, ministries would be working in five-sector specific clusters.

These include the Economic, Social, Rights and Interest Infrastructure and Security clusters.

Each cluster has five to six key result areas, which they would have to satisfy within the 100 days.

The economic cluster would concentrate on resource mobilisation for the financing of water, power, transport and other social services utilities.

The cluster will also seek funding for the winter wheat and tobacco crops, as well as lines of credit for industry, budgetary support and mobilising foreign direct investment and aid in the country.

In addition to this, the cluster will be responsible for sustainable macro-economic stabilisation, including price stability, and the creation of a supportive legal and regulatory framework.

Other targets include public sector reforms, restoring a functional financial system and rebranding the country.

The infrastructure cluster will look at reviewing the current status of each ministry, reviewing and implementing policy, construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, skills retention and implementation of e-technology.

The social cluster would be responsible for institutional development, social safety nets with emphasis on food security and education.

The rights and interest cluster will review the media sector, focus on justice delivery system, and facilitate engagement with the international community.

The cluster will also oversee national healing, reconciliation and integration as well as expedite the mobilisation of constitution-making mechanisms.

The security cluster will ensure support for STERP and push for increased participation in peacekeeping operations involving Zimbabwean forces under the United Nations, the African Union and Sadc.

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