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Pamela Shumba  Senior Reporter
VICE-PRESIDENT, Cde Joice Mujuru yesterday warned against corruption, saying it threatens the successful implementation of the country’s economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset). In a speech read on her behalf by the Senior Minister of State in the President’s Office Cde Simon Khaya Moyo at the Zimbabwe International Business Conference held at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Cde Mujuru said there should be no room for corruption if the country is to successfully implement Zim-Asset. The conference was held in Bulawayo under the theme “Technology and innovation: A key pillar for Zim-Asset’s successful implementation.”

Cde Mujuru said there was a need for the country’s socio-economic framework to be flexible so as to accommodate ideas that add value to development efforts.  She added that it was everyone’s duty to make contributions and work hard to improve the country’s economy.

“There should be no room for corruption. Corruption destroys all efforts to improve the country’s economic title. I call upon everyone to be forthright and make a contribution to the building of this great country,” said Cde Mujuru.

“Everyone can make a difference in improving the country’s economy. In operationalising Zim-Asset we need to invoke the spirit of hard work, honesty and righteousness.”

Cde Mujuru said government had brought to an end the awarding of exorbitant salaries to parastatals and state enterprises executives as they were key in improving the economy.

Recently, government directed that no parastatal boss should earn more than $6,000 a month following media exposure of what is now being referred to as “Salarygate” where some CEOs and general managers were milking state firms through hefty salaries and perks of up to $500,000 per month.

The Vice-President said the institutions remained key in assuring successful implementation of Zim-Asset.

“These institutions are key in guaranteeing successful implementation of Zim-Asset, through ensuring delivery of services that are critical for a well-functioning economy.

“Hence, it was essential that government moved in to stop haemorrhaging of these institutions through exorbitant remunerations that were not commensurate with service provision,” said Cde Mujuru.

Turning to infrastructure, she said government was aware of the energy deficit affecting the economy.

As a short-term measure the government was committing money towards the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing power infrastructure to achieve optimal performance, she added.

“This has seen the country’s power stations increasing output to averages of 600 megawatts for Hwange, 750MW for Kariba and 100MW for the small thermal stations.

“Rehabilitation of the grid is also in progress with major equipment such as transformers and switchgear being renewed or replaced. This will minimise power losses and enhance security of supply,” said Cde  Mujuru.

She noted that the country’s economic growth that has been registered from 2009 to date needed concerted efforts to sustain.
She revealed that efforts were underway to engage regional counterparts as well as friendly co-operating partners such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa for financing and affordable working capital.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Bulawayo, Cde Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo, said the country’s challenges, which included illegal western sanctions could only be addressed by a clear and accurate interpretation and implementation of Zim Asset.

She emphasised the need for the country to match the current global realities in all sectors of the economy.

“There is a definite need to innovate and utilise newer and more efficient technologies that will ensure compliance with the competitive global standards.

“I believe that this conference, which will serve as a pillar for Zim Asset successful implementation will carry Bulawayo along, especially in the fields of technology and other innovative programmes as a revival of industries,” said Cde Moyo.

The conference was also attended by the Chinese, US and Indian ambassadors to Zimbabwe, Cde Lin Lin, Messers Bruce Wharton and Jeitendra Tripathi respectively, the Minister of Industry and Commerce Cde Mike Bimha, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Cde Walter Chidhakwa, the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Cde Sithembiso Nyoni and captains of industry.