Ministers present first 100-day Cycle progress rep...

Ministers present first 100-day Cycle progress reports

**Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere**

Oscar J Jeke

ZIM NOW REPORTER

Most of the set out goals in the mandatory first 100-day priority projects reports for 2024 for the ministries of Women Affairs, Community, Small-Medium Enterprises Development and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare were met and completed, while others are progressing according to plan, Cabinet heard on Tuesday.

In his Post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere noted that the ministries have made significant progress.

Dr Muswere said that Women Affairs Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa reported that the phase 2 of the construction of the Chirundu Workspace, which has already commenced, will benefit over 200 small-scale traders, while the Bulawayo SMEs centre will house a clothing and textile industry soon to be established, that will benefit an estimated 1 000 women annually.

The ministry also reported that the construction of the US$450 000 Hauna Fruit and Vegetable Processing Plant Phase 1 in Honde Valley, Manicaland Province is underway and will benefit 600 farmers directly and sustain more 2 000 others from Mutasa and Nyanga districts.

“250 small-scale traders are set to benefit from Phase 2 of the construction of the Chirundu Workspace. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises will be provided with affordable and appropriate workspace. The construction of the main market, administration block and ablution facilities is on course. A makerspace for women in the clothing and textile industry is being established at the Bulawayo SMEs Centre. Through the market space, women in the textile industry in Bulawayo will access and use specialised equipment in the production of high-quality products. A total of 1 000 women will benefit from the project annually.

“Having realised the need to formalise some of the 3.4 million micro, small and medium enterprises operating in the country, the Ministry will facilitate the business registration of 100 micro, small and medium enterprises and 10 community groups.

“A total of 25 such enterprises have been successfully registered and registration certificates issued: The businesses are being drawn from Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Harare and Bulawayo Metropolitan provinces.

“And the establishment of the Savings and Credit District and Provincial Union Phase for Matabeleland North Province is underway. Savings and Credit Cooperatives enhance access to credit as well as promote financial inclusivity,” Dr Muswere reported.

Minister Muswere also said some of the projects implemented by government in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare have been completed presented.

These projects include, completion of construction of the Zim-Campus project in Bulawayo that has a capacity of 1 000 units, construction of a five megawatt national grid energy contributor at lake Mutirikwi that has created over 100 jobs.

“In a bid to provide a modern and conducive trading environment, the construction of a modern shopping mall, service station and convenience shops at Liberation City in Westlea and Madokero in Harare is underway with 400 permanent jobs having been created. To provide a conducive and comfortable accommodation for migrants, returnees, deportees and unaccompanied children, the renovation of the Beitbridge Reception Centre in Matabeleland South Province has reached 80% of completion.

“The construction of housing units for the provision of decent student accommodation is underway in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West; and Zvishavane, Midlands, while the Zim-Campus project in Bulawayo with a capacity of 1 000 units was completed and awaits official opening.

“The Lake Mutirikwi mini-hydro electricity generation plant is set for completion this April and has created 400 jobs, with 100 of these being permanent. The project will complement the country’s energy needs through introducing 5 megawatts to the national grid,” Minister Muswere added.