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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
THE Government continues to channel funding towards social protection nets and infrastructural projects as the country forges ahead with the developmental agenda in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) towards Vision 2030.

This comes as the treasury recorded a budget surplus in September with funds being channelled towards the timely payment of civil servants. Resources were also deployed towards payment of fees for vulnerable pupils and improvement in the health sector.

Treasury mobilised $289,7 billion in September surpassing the target of $278,5 billion by ZW$11,2 billion.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube revealed the statistics yesterday during the 34th Cabinet session.

Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube

His presentation is expected to set the tone for the 2023 National Budget statement tomorrow.
In his post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said his counterpart, Prof Ncube gave a breakdown of how the Government is utilising revenues.

“The total revenue mobilised for the month of September 2022 stood at $289,7 billion, surpassing the target of $278,5 billion by $11,2 billion. Under budget implementation, employment costs were paid on time, social benefit support amounting to a total of $82,5 billion (including $20 billion for BEAM) was disbursed, a subsidy of $4,5 billion was disbursed to Zupco, $18,9 billion was extended to the health sector, and $104, 64 billion has been disbursed towards capital expenditure,” he said.

Dr Muswere said Prof Ncube revealed that as at October, 20 $12,85 billion had been mobilised from the domestic market.
The minister said various ministries continue to record success under the 100-day cycle where classroom blocks and health-related infrastructure are being constructed.

Dr Muswere said Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Constantino Chiwenga reported that his Ministry has completed drilling boreholes and installation of 5 000 litre tanks to eight clinics countrywide.

“Pertaining to the installation of 5KW solar power systems at 10 primary care clinics, the Ministry has installed the solar power at the following seven health institutions, Fanison Clinic in Nkayi District; and Shunga, Nansengwa, Sinakoma, Chinego, Pashu and Siadindi, all in Binga District, Matabeleland North province,” he said.

Dr Muswere said the refurbishment of Binga mortuary is now 85 percent complete, and once completed will double the carrying capacity.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu reported that the sector also recorded some progress with regard to the construction of school infrastructure.

“The construction of classroom blocks at Glenwood Primary School in Epworth, Mncumbatha Secondary in Bulawayo and St. Johns in Mutare, as well as the administration block at Hlabangeza High in Matabeleland North have been completed,” he said.
Dr Muswere said the construction of a girls’ dormitory at Sihlengeni Secondary School in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South province has been completed.

He said as part of efforts to promote inclusive education, the Government is on the verge of completing the development of video lessons for the pupils.

Vice President Chiwenga

The Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Ministry also recorded significant progress in the refurbishment of Studio Eat the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s Mbare Radio Zimbabwe Studios which is 90 percent complete, just the same as the installation and operationalisation of the Midlands State University Campus Radio.

“The production of the “Zimbabwe in Brief” publication has reached 70 percent of completion, the production of a detailed National Heroes/Heroines Obituaries publication has reached 55 percent of completion,” said Dr Muswere.

“The installation and operationalisation of the Nembudziya Public Viewing Screen in Gokwe District, Midlands Province has reached 80 percent completion, while the Dzapasi Outdoor Public Viewing Screen in Buhera District, Manicaland province is 90 percent complete,” he said.

Dr Muswere said the Ntepe-Manama Community Radio Station in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province is now on air while the installation of the BuKalanga Radio Studio equipment in Plumtree, Matabeleland South province is 40 percent complete. —-@nqotshili