I would like to welcome you to this historic launch of the new
Government's 100 Day Plan. This Plan will provide the blue print 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.
Indeed, accountability is the cornerstone of any democracy and this
Government will not shy away from its responsibilities as defined by
the GPA.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am particularly proud of the work that has gone
into developing this plan as it represents the first concrete example
of what can be achieved if the various signatories to the GPA are
committed to working together for the betterment of our nation.
I would like to express my gratitude to the World Bank for sharing our
vision and for supporting the development of the 100 Day Plan. It was
through their support, that we were able to take all our ministers and
the acting permanent secretaries to Victoria Falls to develop this
implementation agenda.
We went to this remote location to build a sense of team work, mutual
respect and cooperation amongst colleagues and associates who yesterday
were bitter political adversaries.
During the course of the retreat, we formulated an agreed vision for
the way forward and a detailed plan of how to get there which is what
we are presenting to you today.
This implementation plan is based on the commitments contained in the
GPA and the vision provided by the Short Term Emergency Recovery Plan
(STERP) which was launched in March of this year.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the development of this 100 Day Plan was
undertaken by myself as Prime Minister and executed through my office
in line with my mandate and responsibilities under the GPA. Indeed, it
is important that we recognise the key role played by this agreement in
the development of the Plan.
It is from the GPA and the Constitution of Zimbabwe that every member
of Government derives his or her mandate. Its clarity on the structure
of the inclusive government and the roles of the individuals and
institutions within it should allow the machinery of governance to run
smoothly during this transitional period.
The GPA states that, the Executive Authority of the Inclusive
Government shall vest in, and be shared among the President, the Prime
Minister and the Cabinet, as provided for in this Constitution and
legislation.
Within the agreement, the authority and responsibility of the Prime Minister includes but is not limited to;
Chairing the Council of Ministers and is the Deputy Chairperson of Cabinet;
Exercising executive authority;
Overseeing the formulation of government policies by the Cabinet;
Ensuring that the policies so formulated are implemented by the entirety of government;
Ensuring that the Ministers develop appropriate implementation plans to
give effect to the policies decided by Cabinet: in this regard, the
Ministers will report to the Prime Minister on all issues relating to
the implementation of such policies and plans;
Ensuring that the legislation necessary to enable the government to
carry out its functions is in place: in this regard, he/ she shall have
the responsibility to discharge the functions of the Leader of
Government Business in Parliament;
Being a member of the National Security Council;
Reporting regularly to the President and Parliament.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am aware of, and I accept the responsibilities
placed upon myself and my Office to ensure the formulation of all
relevant policies and their efficient and effective implementation.
I am also 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.
Sadly, there appears to be a reluctance by residual elements from the
old government to obstruct and frustrate the successful implementation
of the GPA. This attitude, should it continue, will limit the effective
implementation of the 100 Day Plan and subsequently impact negatively
on our ability to make a positive difference to the lives of all
Zimbabweans.
What continues to plague Zimbabwe can be best described as a reluctance
to accept the reality of the changes taking place within the country.
This residual resistance represents an unwillingness to accept the fact
that the new political dispensation is not only irreversible, but also
offers the country the only viable way forward.
The continued violations of the rule of law and the GPA prevent the
inflows of development aid, obstructing a progressive legislative
agenda and risk keeping Zimbabwe mired in poverty and the fear of
persecution.
Ladies and Gentlemen as different political parties, it is natural that
we have different political agendas. However, as co-signatories to the
GPA, we should be united by our agenda of Governance and of delivering
essential services to the people while simultaneously promoting their
freedoms.
Such is the clarity of the GPA and the Constitution, that if there was
truly a political will to abide by their letter and spirit, these
issues could be resolved immediately. In doing so, we would prove to
the international community that we are genuine and serious about
restoring Zimbabwe to its rightful place in the family of nations.
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 and while the rule of law
continues to be violated. Those individuals that continue to undertake
these actions are in effect stealing from every Zimbabwean.
Ladies and Gentlemen, once we embrace this need for mutual cooperation
to drive our nation forward, we can then concentrate on the business of
Government, delivering services to the people and driving the
legislative agenda.
The next 100 Days of this Government are vital to proving our
commitment to restoring Zimbabwe to its proud place in the
international family of nations.
I know that the vast majority of Ministers, Government officials and
members of the civil service are committed to rebuilding our country
and are committed to implementing fully the 100 Day Plan.
I acknowledge that resources are scarce, but all Ministers involved
should be aware that there are many projects and policies that can have
a positive effect on people's lives and which can be introduced at
little or no cost.
I invite all stakeholders and representatives of Civil Society to work
with us to ensure the successful implementation of all the targets
identified in the plan.
I thank the international community and donor organizations for the
support they have afforded our country and for their continued
commitment to working with the Government and all stakeholders to
deliver to the people the Zimbabwe our liberation heroes fought for.
Despite the challenges we have faced in the first three months of this
new political dispensation, the GPA still represents the only viable
way forward for this country,. Indeed, the positive impact that we have
had on the lives of the people, in a relatively short timeframe,
justify the purpose and role of the GPA in providing a stable framework
within which we can take our country forward.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I call upon each member of our new Government and
every citizen of Zimbabwe to join me in putting the interests of our
nation and our people first – to join me in choosing progress and
prosperity over poverty and persecution. There is no viable alternative
for our country, our people or ourselves.
I believe in a future for Zimbabwe that puts the welfare of its
citizens first, where development leads to growth, which in turn leads
to prosperity for all.
Let us work together to make the next 100 Days a tribute to our ability
to unite, to implement the necessary legislative reforms and to
initiate the programmes of rebuilding our beautiful Zimbabwe that the
people demand and deserve.
I thank you
Post published in: News