FINANCE minister Patrick Chinamasa will announce the mid-term fiscal policy review statement next month amid indications he may be forced to review some of the targets due to the harsh economic environment.
BY VICTORIA MTOMBA
Chinamasa told NewsDay on the sidelines of the Validation workshop on the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (IPRS) 2016-2018 in Harare yesterday that discussions on the mid-term fiscal policy were underway saying the document would be out by the end of July.
The review comes on the back of the underperformance of the revenue heads with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority missing its target in the first quarter of 2016, collecting $724,8 million. The target $861,83 million.
The harsh economic environment has spawned rising poverty forcing government to come up with an IPRS was 2016-2018 to enhance efforts in fighting poverty.
Speaking at a validation workshop on the IPRS, Chinamasa said the formulation process was inclusive as there was a consultative process at either national, provincial or district level during the month of May.
He said the strategy was aimed at facilitating the ongoing re-engagement process with the international financial institutions which was critical in mobilising financial resources for the country’s development process.
“In addition we have limited resources, therefore, we have to prioritise programmes and projects that have high impact on poverty reduction and achievable, whilst the remainder will be carried forward in the full PRSP. It is our sincere hope that the strategy will provide focus to increased funding. I stand ready to steer the final document to Cabinet by end of July 2016.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Chinamasa said he hoped the strategy would be bankable and the document would speak for itself.
The national co-coordinator of the IPRS Jesimen Chipika, said through the consultation process they discovered that Matabeleland Province had the highest poverty prevalence in terms of density.
Chipika said 15 consultative meeting were held in the country from national, district and ward levels.
Some of the pillars of the PRSP social sector policies and expenditures, agriculture productivity, growth and rural food security, private sector, environment and climate change and strengthening governance and institutional capacity.
She said a total of 1 700 people were reached through the process from the 1 200 that were targeted.
