We need to ensure Zim Asset succeeds

Editorial Comment
THE introduction of government’s new socioeconomic plan, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socioeconomic Transformation (Zim Asset) presents a framework of how Zimbabwe intends to proceed with managing the socio-economic challenges facing the country.

THE introduction of government’s new socioeconomic plan, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socioeconomic Transformation (Zim Asset) presents a framework of how Zimbabwe intends to proceed with managing the socio-economic challenges facing the country.

The plan is a product of wide consultation involving various stakeholders.

This means that it should not be viewed solely as a Zanu PF government document, but a product of multiple stakeholders, Zanu PF being one of them.

The Zanu PF government was instrumental in leading the stakeholder consultation process, which consolidated and refined the ideas contributed by stakeholders to produce Zim Asset.

It is therefore important for the people of Zimbabwe to understand that the responsibility of making this document a success does not rest solely with the government.

It is a national effort.

The government is only a vehicle through which we can implement and monitor the progress of this socio-economic plan.

It is imperative that Zimbabweans reflect on how their day to day and mid to long-term actions affect the successful implementation of Zim Asset.

What we do on a daily basis, be it at home or work is linked to and affects the implementation of strategic initiatives outlined in the plan.

Some of the strategic initiatives that will drive the plan include, providing social services encompassing construction of housing, schools, hospitals and other social amenities particularly in the new resettlement areas; making available and increasing economic opportunities for women, youths and the physically challenged in communities in conformity with the indigenisation, empowerment and employment creation thrust; expanding the accessibility and utilisation of information and communications technology to improve service delivery and accelerate economic growth; and building and rehabilitating infrastructure and utilities as enablers for economic growth and prosperity.

If we all pay taxes, avoid corrupt tendencies and inefficiency, work hard, live healthy and responsible lifestyles, etc, we are contributing to the success of Zim Asset.

It is both the individual and institutional efforts that will assist Zimbabwe successfully implement Zim Asset.

In our individual capacities, we must not abrogate our responsibilities so that State institutions remain solely accountable for the success of the programme. If we were to abrogate our responsibilities in that manner, we would undermine the democracy principle of collective participation in decision-making in matters affecting us.

Government institutions cannot be left alone to create success out of Zim Asset.

They are just but one of the many stakeholders.

The civil servants, including politicians, are mainly responsible for harnessing the collective effort of people to channel it towards the success of Zim Asset, not create success acting alone. If we don’t pull all together, we fail as a nation.

The government needs to publicise this document as widely as possible and fully explain in simple and clear language the intention of the plan, and the form of collaboration needed to make it a success. Zim Asset should not be an elitist publication, which is difficult to access by the public.

If the contents are broken down into clear simple messages and people accept it as a document that reflects their aspirations, they will support it. However, if they can’t identify with it, then it will receive little or no support.

The government must be rigorous in making sure, as stated in the document, that Zim Asset is results based. People should see the results or even effort of their contribution towards the success of the plan.

In that regard, an institution such as the National Planning Commission should ensure that they evaluate, measure and communicate progress on the implementation of the plan so that we readily adjust, where necessary.

Institutional collaboration will need to be high. Various government ministries and agencies, and the private sector need to forge an even closer relationship that is based on shared outcomes.

The identification of public-private partnership arrangement as a key strategic initiative in Zim Asset illustrates that these two sectors are ready to forge a new partnership.

With strained resources, government will not be able to provide the entire infrastructure required to drive the economy.

Having said this, it is not a secret that Zim Asset still faces a difficult challenge, even if Zimbabweans embrace it. The challenge comes from the effects of economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, at the request of our fellow Zimbabweans.

It is therefore imperative that as part of a national effort to promote the nation’s socioeconomic development, those who called for economic sanctions play their part in calling for their removal.

By so doing, they will play their part in promoting national socioeconomic development outlined in the Zim Asset plan.