By Margaret Mvura

THE opening of the First Session of the 8th Parliament with a two thirds majority of the ZANU PF party last week is just another landmark event evident of the ruling party’s ‘arrival and stay’.
It could not have come at a better time than now when all and sundry points to a Zimbabwe that is inevitably poised for greater heights.
Events like the ushering in of a new people-driven Constitution, the victory of the ZANU PF party in the July 31 harmonised elections and Belgium’s displeasure over the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and many others have shown a victory for Zimbabwe against all odds.
It is without doubt that Zimbabwe is beginning to register its due economic development fruits that our forefathers dreamt of when they took up arms for the liberation of their people and restoration of a life disrupted.
Whereas they might not have imagined that such concepts as indigenisation, investment opportunities and Public-Private-Partnerships could exist, they must have dreamt of their children and children’s children building legacies for centuries.
It is therefore such projects as the expansion of the two power stations Kariba and Hwange, the ARDA- Chisumbanje Ethanol plant and many others that speak of a bigger and better era on the horizon and it is just the tip of the iceberg.
It is a blessing in disguise the July 31 elections pruned those whose agenda was to ensure that the black majority does not achieve anything because now nothing can stop the growth of Zimbabwe.
In his speech during the opening of the First Session of the 8th Parliament President Robert Mugabe was very clear on his party and government’s commitment to delivering the promises they made to the people of Zimbabwe.
Paving the way for that through target setting and putting down the rules of the game, choosing the right team and making sure that all Zimbabweans play their part was therefore necessary.
His choice of the Cabinet (though disappointing to others) was therefore of men and women who are out to get results.
“Government will, as it prioritises the implementation of sustainable pro-poor economic development initiatives hinged on the consolidation of macro-economic stability, effect the revival of key sectors of agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing.
The expansion of the Kariba and Hwange Power Stations, for which tenders have been awarded to Sino Hydro and China Machinery and Equipment Company, is expected to yield an additional 900 megawatts into the national grid,” President Mugabe said.
“Preliminary work on the construction of the 1 600 megawatts Batoka Hydro Power Plant has also started. Exploitation of the abundant solar energy will also be stepped up, following the receipt of over 500 mobile solar units from the People’s Republic of China. The coming on board of these projects will certainly bring about sustainable improvement in the overall power supply situation and enable the country to mitigate adverse effects arising from regional energy supply shortages.
On a related note, final steps will be taken to fully operationalise the ARDA-Chisumbanje Ethanol Plant which, alongside various private power-generating initiatives, should significantly augment the country’s power supply. Measures are afoot to ensure that during the first quarter of 2014, the blending of petrol with ethanol will have reached the E20 mandatory blending levels. Such a move will ensure fuel self-sufficiency, and more importantly, the project will trigger incremental job creation, thereby guaranteeing decent livelihoods for local communities and other citizens.”
The President has recognised major performing industries such as that of tourism and the need to have a sound transport system, good water and sanitation facilities for people and efforts to make sure that these are improved and made efficient.

l To Page 34