ED promises better fortunes in 2020

Harare (New Ziana) – President Emerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday rallied Zimbabweans to continue soldiering on in unity as government continues with efforts to resuscitate and grow the economy.

In a new year message to the nation, President Mnangagwa said 2019 had been a challenging year, but Zimbabweans weathered the storm through faith, perseverance and the ability to rise above any difficulties.

Some of the challenges encountered during the year included a severe drought which affected the country’s food security and the death and destruction from Cyclone Idai.

“We embarked on 2019 with a shared vision to resuscitate our economy. We were determined to reform our socio-economic and political spheres,” he said.

“We endured as a nation and rode the storm against all odds. Painful as it is often the case, we must persevere through this rough but necessary patch on the road to growth and prosperity.”

He added: “Going forward, 2020 will be a year of higher productivity, economic growth, job creation and satisfying the needs of the people. We cannot live in the past, we can only learn from it. We must craft a future benefitting from the wisdom of the past.”

President Mnangagwa said government was aware of the challenges being faced by the people and would continue providing social safety nets to cushion them.

He said this would be done through the provision of affordable public transport, maize and other basic commodities as well as health care.

The welfare of civil servants, he said, would also be improved gradually.

“The fiscal discipline we have instilled under the Second Republic saw us rein in on the budget deficit. The new trend of budget surpluses will continue and resources therefrom used to finance more public services such as health care facilities, schools, roads and related projects with a direct impact on the people’s well-being,” he said.

“We must all ensure that our ongoing development drive leaves no one behind. Let us all play our part.”

President Mnangagwa said the government’s thrust to promote and entrench a democratic culture would also be accelerated.

“This is right, just and for the good of our people. Hence, the re-alignment of our laws to the Constitution must be completed,” he said.

“As a listening President and a servant leader, I will continue engaging with you and listening to your concerns so that we walk hand in hand together in unity, love, peace and harmony towards a prosperous Zimbabwe.”

He urged Zimbabweans to shun violence.

“Those that propagate violence must be exposed, condemned and rejected. Let us declare that never again shall we lose the precious lives of our fellow countrymen, women and children for the political or monetary expediency of a few.

“The prosperity we desire will only be achieved only if we keep moving in unity and with purpose,” President Mnangagwa said.
New Ziana