ED orders ministers to drive lnclusive development
STAFF WRITER
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a firm directive to Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, urging them to spearhead the implementation of the government’s inclusive development agenda. Speaking at State House in Harare on Wednesday, the President emphasized the need for decisive leadership and swift action to ensure no province is left behind.
“You will recall that at the start of the Second Republic, I declared an end to the status quo where one province was ‘bambazonke,’” President Mnangagwa said. “This ushered in an era of equalized development towards a prosperous upper middle-income economy. The focus must remain on the grassroots level, particularly in our provinces and rural areas.”
This was the first meeting of its kind since the 2023 Harmonised General Elections, providing an opportunity to assess progress under the Devolution and Decentralisation Policy. The President reaffirmed that the policy is key to promoting inclusive growth, accountable governance, and sustainable socio-economic development.
President Mnangagwa delivered a stern warning to his ministers, stressing that hesitation and inaction will not be tolerated.
“One of your primary tasks is to improve our people’s living standards and achieve shared prosperity,” he said. “We must be unrelenting in addressing challenges and taking the necessary risks to overcome obstacles. Hesitation, foot-dragging, and fence-sitting are not acceptable dispositions under my Administration.”
He also underscored the ministers’ responsibility in driving industrialization and modernization across districts and provinces, making it clear that they must take an active role in accelerating development projects.
The President called on the ministers to lead from the front in executing people-centered projects.
“You should be at the forefront of implementing development initiatives in a coherent manner, ensuring no one and no place is left behind,” he said. “You have the full support of the Central Government in your endeavors.”
The high-level meeting was attended by Vice President General (Retired) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr. Martin Rushwaya, Deputy Chief Secretaries, and other senior government officials.
