Zimbabwe has two vice-presidents, and more than 48 ministers, deputies and governors, all with hefty allowances, chauffeur-driven government vehicles and an aide.
“The MDC government would eliminate all government activities that are not concerned with immediate domestic priorities. This would involve reviewing the external missions abroad, and the cancellation of all outstanding contracts for military hardware,” said the party’s economic policy chief, Eddie Cross.
A National Revenue Authority Board and an independent board which includes the private sector experts on taxes would be set up to improve tax collection and increase government revenue.
“The objective would be to privatise all parastatals within a period of two years. Special attention would be given to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority the National Railways of Zimbabwe, ZimPost, Net*One and Tel*One,” said Cross.
He said there would be a new management system to control government expenditure with strict reporting and controlling systems to limit over-runs by ministries.
Cross said contrary to the focus by the discredited Zanu (PF) government on peripheral issues such as land, the role of white business and farming community, the MDC would focus on high priority areas first.
The real issues are rapidly increasing prices, stagnant incomes and deteriorating social services,” he said. “MDC recognises the need for equitable distribution of land, but it has set its main immediate goals in the economic arena. It is determined to restore the confidence by both the international and local business communities.”
The MDC economic plans include upgrading private sector housing policies, modernising the crumbling education and health systems and a commitment to a free regional trade system.
Post published in: News