GOVERNMENT has outlined a roadmap to finance road rehabilitation projects and measures to ensure the smooth arrival of Zimbabwean returnees from South Africa whose special work permits expired.
In a Post Cabinet Media Briefing in Harare this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said government is prioritising national roads infrastructural renewal, with several projects to rehabilitate key highways, including the Harare – Chirundu route, expected to start soon.“The project on the upgrading, rehabilitation and widening of the HarareChirundu Highway is intended to complement the North-South Corridor
Development programme which incorporates critical infrastructure such as the modernised Beitbridge Border Post, the Beitbridge-Harare Highway, and
the Mbudzi Interchange. The Harare-Chirundu Regional Trunk Road will be split into 5 equal sections of 67.8 km for the contractors to design and undertake works. Upon completion within the envisaged 24 months, the
project will deliver a safer and more efficient road network as well as access to critical economic areas along the route, and enhance regional connectivity
by ensuring that transit traffic connects seamlessly,” she said.
Several new mining projects are unfolding smoothly, as the sector continues to anchor national economic growth.
“The construction of the Prospect Resources Lithium Plant in Goromonzi District in Mashonaland East Province has been completed, and the plant is set to employ 2000 workers,” she noted.
Government has also set up a technical committee to oversee Zimbabwean returnees from South Africa to ensure they settle smoothly after the expiry of their special work permits.
“Cabinet received an update report on preparations for the expected return of Zimbabweans who are currently resident in South Africa and are going to be affected by the non-renewal of their work permits in that country beyond the 30 June 2023, deadline.
“Cabinet wishes to assure the nation that the Second Republic has elaborate plans to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens who face an uncertain future in foreign lands and are desirous to return to their motherland. As the situation stands, more than 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals will require assistance, since they will be regarded as illegal immigrants in South Africaafter 30 June, 2023.”To ensure that no one is left behind in national development, a road map has also been put in place to regularise settlements after President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the exercise in Epworth more than a week ago.
It all systems go for the safe reopening of schools next week, with midyear ZIMSEC examinations set to begin this month.
“The nation is being informed that the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) June 2023 examinations are scheduled to start in mid-May, and
security around examination papers is being tightened. The mop-up registration exercise for the examinations is scheduled to take place from 8thto 12th May 2023, and all stakeholders are being assured that no penalties will be imposed on candidates for registering during this extended phase.”
“The examination fees equivalent in the local currency will be announced on 5 May, 2023. Most of the pupils registered for the June examinations will be
re-sitting, since the first-time candidates are not eligible before they complete their Continuous Assessment Learning Activities.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade also reported that under the Second Republic, the welfare of diplomatic staff at various embassies around the world has greatly improved, with salary arrears being cleared and the sprucing up of embassy properties.
Source: bulawayo24
In other news- Makhadzi in big trouble
Makhadzi and her now-former record label, Open Mic Productions have been ordered to pay R8.2 million due to a breach of contract.The singer failed to promote the Kokovha sneakers after signing a deal with the company.
According to a local publication, Makhadzi’s failure to oblige to the agreement of promoting the sneakers by wearing them to shows and on stage led to a huge loss for the company. Learn more
