common national vision, and the indivisibility of our country,” he said.
“You have a duty at the grassroots level to ensure that our society has vitality and hope, living in unity, peace and harmony. It is under such environments that we can realise sustainable development and prosperity for our motherland for both present and future generations.”
President Mnangagwa said he is now shifting paradigms, transforming Ministries of Provincial Affairs and Devolution from being merely administrative or ceremonial to championing economic development programmes at sub-national level.
The President said the consistent implementation of a provincial fiscal performance analysis dashboard and monitoring of the socio-economic performance of provinces must be prioritised in the co-ordination of the offices of Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs.
“It is commendable that Provincial Economic Development Plans have since been validated for alignment with our National Development Strategy.
“The implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 must give impetus and greater focus on building modern, sustainable and resilient Provincial economies,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said all the 10 provinces are blessed with God-given natural resources and the communities must remain good custodians of such endowments and be active players in their transformation into bankable, life changing investment opportunities and projects.
In the face of natural disasters including the El-Nino induced drought last year, President Mnangagwa urged the Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs to continue ensuring the timely delivery of assistance across districts and wards within provinces.
The President also took a swipe at some private voluntary organisations that tend to advance clandestine agendas.
“I call upon provincial structures to shun and expose any machinations and underhand activities that seek to reverse the progress we have achieved as the Second Republic,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the supremacy of the ruling party, Zanu PF, over the Government remains an enduring and integral principle to their work.
“Provinces should continue to work with traditional leaders and party structures, so that our people participate in decision-making and also take ownership in the implementation of Government projects and programmes.
“Joint meetings and seamless co-ordination with the party and development committees at appropriate levels, should be improved. Programmes and projects being undertaken within the provinces must be clearly articulated, including their overall impact on the livelihoods of our people.
“I urge ministries, departments and agencies at provincial level, including councils, to remain duty bound and committed to the realisation and protection of our national interests and development aspirations,” he said.
The President said as the nation builds resilience and adaptive capacity for sustained economic transformation, the ‘business-as usual’ approach and narrow turf wars should be decisively dismantled.
Unity of purpose, dedication, and innovation coupled with efficient co-ordination in the implementation of Government policies, programmes and projects, the President added, are critical building blocks for the realisation of Vision 2030 and must be key priorities.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, said the meeting was vital as it pushes them to work harder in achieving vision 2030. Chronicle
