their Zanu (PF) counterparts for the first time in more than a month, following a break to concentrate on the senate elections.
It was the first time that the MPs, now belonging to two separate factions headed by party leader Morgan Tsvangirai and secretary-general Welshman Ncube respectively, had set eyes on each other since the infamous national council meeting of October 12.
When Murerwa disclosed that the countrys economy was set to grow next year for the first time since 1999 on the back of an expected turnaround in the countrys troubled agricultural sector, the MDC MPs did what they have failed to do in more than a month – unite to condemn Zanu (PF).
There were shouts of derision from the opposition legislators when Murerwa said the countrys economic growth will be driven mainly by agriculture, manufacturing, mining and tourism.
Financial writer Shakeman Mugari said it was impossible to have a turnaround in the agricultural sector when the forecast on the ground spelled doom for the forthcoming season.
Plainly speaking, the 2005/2006 season is being described by experts as the worst in terms of preparations, so for the minister to suggest otherwise is a bit too much, said Mugari.
According to Murerwa the gross domestic product (GDP) growth is being forecast at between 2 and 3.5 percent in 2006, against a 3.5 percent contraction this year. SW Radio Africa
Post published in: Economy