MANICALAND Provincial Affairs minister Chris Mushohwe has implored President Robert Mugabe to crack the whip on non-performing public officials, saying the new Zanu PF administration’s thrust was to deliver on key result areas such as revival of the industrial sector.
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Addressing journalists at Mutare Press Club last Friday, Mushohwe said those entrusted with public offices should deliver or face expulsion.
“I am optimistic the new government will come up with tricks to revamp the industrial sector. The permanent secretaries feel so much permanent. A Cabinet minister cannot fire a permanent secretary,” Mushohwe said.
“But this time around, the President said they should sign a performance-based contract. I know also that the Minister will not be spared too. Everybody’s toes will be kept up. I hope the new government will rise to the occasion.”
He urged the media to expose incompetent public officials.
“The media should take an active role by challenging us, the people entrusted to run these public entities and become the voice of the voiceless so that we are kept tied up to expectations,” Mushohwe urged.
Many firms in Mutare and other parts of the country have receded into a comatose state due to undercapitalisation and the general economic decline.
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These include Karina Textiles, Mutare Board and Paper Mills, Cains Foods, PG Industries and Quest Motors, among many others.
“We have lots of diamond, gold and other minerals in this province, but what is there to show for it?” Mushohwe asked.
“We have the greatest potential for tourism. It is this part of the country where we have 70-80% of fruit exports. We have the largest tea plantations and great weather too. It is this province where 80-90% of timber for Zimbabwe and export is found. If all this is true, why then are companies closing down? Why is it that our people are losing employment?
“This is where Sadc used to get its paper from. This is where the whole timber plantations would feed the industry, but alas we are now exporting timber for processing. Our industry is dying and it is operating below 10% yet we used to operate at optimum levels. Yes, sanctions are there, but what is that we need to do to revive our industry?” he said.
Last year, the government introduced a $40 million industrial revival facility — Distressed Industries and Marginalised Areas Fund (Dimaf) to stimulate production — but the initiative fell far too short of the required stimulant.
