'Rural areas are now the critical focus': President Mnangagwa

‘Rural areas are now the critical focus’ stated by President Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for the acceleration of rural development through robust rural agriculture industrialization models, setting up rural industries, and systems to value add, beneficiate, and export agricultural produce.

Speaking during his inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in for his second term at National Sports Stadium Harare, President Mnangagwa said that vulnerable districts and areas are now the critical focus.

“Vulnerable districts and areas are now the critical focus. Rural Development will be implemented at full scale through robust rural agriculture industrialisation models,” said the President.

He added that the programme aims to create 35,000 agro-based companies in 35,000 villages, increasing rural incomes and sustainable livelihoods. It also aims to establish rural industries for processing, value-adding, beneficiation, and exporting agricultural produce.

“This will result in our 35,000 villages country-wide, having productive agro-based companies, owned and run by the benefiting communities. The programme will see a multi-fold increase in rural incomes and sustainable livelihoods,” indicated President Mnangagwa.

Fulfilling Promises

He also stated that his government will fulfill the promises they made to people with much focus on rural communities.

“My new government will deliver on the promises we have made to you. The transformation of the living standards of our people, especially those in rural communities, will be accelerated, while the concerns of those in urban areas will not be neglected, said President Mnangagwa.

He urged the industry and commerce stakeholders to seek a balance between profit and the plight of the people.

He added, “Responsive policies, projects and programmes, which began during the first term of my Presidency are on course to lift many more people out of poverty and into prosperity.”

Mnangagwa also highlighted the success of the agriculture sector in Zimbabwe, which has increased food security and created jobs.

Unprecedented Growth

“The ongoing success milestones in the agriculture sector will be consolidated during this new term under my leadership. To date, we are food secure in both maize and wheat. All the agriculture sub-sectors have realised unprecedented growth,” President Mnangagwa stated.

He added, “I commend our farmers as well as stakeholders in the agriculture sector for these achievements. This is indisputable evidence of the success of our Land Reform Programme and the responsive pro-people policies of the Second Republic.”

“The factories that we all desire can only succeed if there is the prerequisite through-put from agriculture and mining, among other sectors. Therefore, I call upon us to respect each other as a united people, no matter where we live or our economic activities,” he said.

Besides that the President assured people that government will prioritise guaranteeing household and national food security.

President Mnangagwa further emphasized the importance of a national currency and the sustainable exploitation of mineral resources to leapfrog industrialization and development. The President pledged the modernization of national infrastructure, utilities, and amenities, such as roads, rail system, and energy for national development.

Service Delivery

“Our citizens, especially those in urban areas, have endured poor service delivery for far too long. Rate payers deserve hardworking and competent local authorities who will ensure that our towns and cities regain their long-lost pride and lustre, through world-class service delivery,” he said.

Mnangagwa concluded his speech by urging Zimbabweans to say no to violence, tribalism, regionalism, hate speech, and other divisive tendencies.

The focus on rural communities comes at time where plight of rural communities has been ignored for years with many people in rural areas depending on unsafe sources of water such as unprotected wells and springs.