Harare (New Ziana) -The Zimbabwe government on Tuesday launched new Climate Change Resilience Guidelines for State Enterprises and Parastatals as it moves to intensify adaptation and mitigation measures against the phenomenon.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy chief secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Zvinechimwe Churu said there is need for public institutions to align their strategies with national and global climate commitments.
“State enterprises and parastatals play a critical role in national development. If they fail to adopt climate resilience measures, our economic and social systems will face severe disruptions,” he said.
The introduction of the guidelines comes as the country experiences increasingly frequent and severe climate-related disasters, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves.
These natural disasters have significantly impacted sectors such as energy, agriculture, water, and infrastructure, many of which are managed or heavily influenced by state enterprises.
“The government’s decision to implement the resilience framework is a direct response to these threats, ensuring that public institutions take proactive measures to safeguard essential services.” said Churu.
Permanent secretary for Environment, Climate and Wildlife Tedious Chifamba said the cost of inaction is far greater than the investment required for climate resilience,
“State enterprises must move beyond short-term profitability and consider long-term environmental risks in their planning,” he stated.
The newly launched guidelines provide a structured framework to assist state-owned entities mainstream climate resilience into their operations.
Key features include Risk Assessment and Climate-Proofing Investments in which Enterprises are required to assess climate risks to their infrastructure, supply chains, and financial sustainability.
Chifamba called for the adoption of Green Technologies and Sustainable Practices, saying State enterprises must transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind where feasible, and take energy efficiency measures such as upgrading outdated infrastructure.
“Strengthening Governance and Accountability through Annual climate impact reports will be mandatory, ensuring transparency and accountability,” he said.
The guidelines are expected to reshape the way state enterprises operate, with some facing significant overhauls, while parastatals in energy, transport, and agriculture will need to accelerate their transition towards more sustainable models.
For instance, power utility companies will be required to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and incorporate renewable energy sources into the national grid. Similarly, state-owned agricultural agencies should adopt climate-smart farming techniques to address food security challenges posed by erratic weather patterns.
While some enterprises have welcomed the move, others are concerned about the costs associated with implementation saying while they fully support climate resilience, there is also need for financial support to make the transition feasible.
Addressing the concerns about financial constraints, Churu said the government will establish a climate Resilience Fund, which will provide low-interest loans and grants to state enterprises implementing green initiatives.
As climate change continues to threaten economies worldwide, the move to integrate resilience into state enterprises signals a proactive approach to safeguarding national development.
New Ziana
