National

Climate change and economic growth top agenda at conference

Published

2 months ago

October 29, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The African Roads Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) conference in Victoria Falls, is wrapping up today, after two days of intense discussions on the urgent need for collaboration and regional cooperation to address climate change and promote economic growth.

Dr. George Manyaya, Chairman of ZINARA (Zimbabwe National Road Administration), set the tone for the conference, emphasizing the importance of sustainable road infrastructure.

“Roads are a critical enabler for all economic activity, linking people, goods, and services,” he said.

“As emerging economies we have the honourous task of accelerating development and maintenance simultaneously, therefore the responsibility on our shoulders is immense. It has been further compounded by the effects of climate change which we cannot ignore, and therefore we cannot afford to act in silos. Indeed collaboration and cooperation are the new business models that we must adopt and leverage for sustainable discharge of our responsibilities as road fund managers.”

Officially opening the conference, Engineer Pedzisayi Joy Makumbe, Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development, echoed Manyaya’s sentiments, noting that the state of roads is a regional priority, affecting trade, economic growth, and livelihoods.

“Our discussions today come at a time when the state of our roads is of utmost concern, not only as a matter of national interest but as a regional priority,” she said.

“We must explore the possibility of pooling funds for large, cross-border projects or jointly financing road rehabilitation programs that serve the entire Southern African region…However, across much of the region, road authorities face significant challenges, including limited technical expertise, outdated equipment, and inefficient procurement systems. In many cases, the coordination between road funds and road authorities is weak, leading to delays in project implementation and cost overruns.”

To address these challenges, she said countries must invest in building the capacity of road authorities, training and up skilling technical staff, adopting new road maintenance technologies, and improving project management systems.

The conference highlighted the symbiotic relationship between road funds and road authorities, emphasizing trust, transparency, and accountability.

“The relationship between road funds and road authorities is critical to ensuring the sustainable maintenance of our road networks,” Makumbe stressed.

“Road funds must ensure the timely and adequate disbursement of resources, while road authorities must demonstrate that they are utilizing these funds efficiently and effectively to deliver tangible results.”

As the conference draws to a close today, delegates from across the region are expected to leave with actionable solutions for sustainable road maintenance and development.

“We must break down the silos and create a collaborative environment where road funds and road authorities work as partners,” Manyaya urged.

With the ARMFA conference coming to an end, the emphasis on collaboration and regional cooperation is expected to continue, as road funds and authorities work together to address the challenges posed by climate change and promote economic growth.

National

Cyclone Chido moves away from Zimbabwe

Published

5 days ago

December 16, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

According to the latest updates from the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, approximately 35-40km south of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province.

The intense tropical cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds of up to 220km/h, causing widespread destruction in Mozambique. The system is expected to continue tracking west-southwest towards Malawi, steadily dissipating.

Zimbabwe, which was initially predicted to be in the cyclone’s path, has been spared the worst of the storm.

However, neighboring countries, including Malawi, are expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 72 hours.

The SHOC has issued a multi-hazard impact-based classification, warning of expected impacts, including strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and rough seas, in Mozambique, Malawi, and other parts of the region.

Member states have been urged to closely monitor official weather updates, intensify public awareness campaigns, and preposition relief supplies to enable a swift response to the cyclone’s impact.

National

Senate passes death penalty abolition bill

Published

1 week ago

December 13, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe Senate has passed the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, paving the way for the country to join the growing list of nations that have abolished capital punishment.

The bill, which has already been approved by the National Assembly, will now be sent to the President for assent and subsequent publication in the Gazette as an Act.

The country has 62 convicted prisoners facing the death penalty.

Veritas has congratulated the Senators, Members of the National Assembly, the President, and the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for their role in facilitating the bill’s passage through Parliament.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, defended the bill in the Senate, citing studies that show the death penalty has failed to deter crime.

He emphasized that the actual number of murders remained the same despite the death penalty’s existence, questioning its effectiveness as a deterrent.

Ziyambi also highlighted the bill’s potential to address the root causes of crime, which he believes the death penalty does not tackle. He pointed out the bias of the death penalty against poverty-stricken people, stating that history shows the majority of those executed are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Zimbabwe has been on a de facto moratorium on executions for about 17 years, with the last execution conducted in 2005.

National

Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, government issues warning

Published

1 week ago

December 13, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A powerful tropical cyclone named Chido is moving menacingly towards Zimbabwe, prompting the government to issue a warning and advise residents to take necessary precautions.

According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Cyclone Chido has intensified into an intense tropical cyclone and is likely to affect Zimbabwe on December 17.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds to several provinces, including Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and West, Harare Metropolitan, and parts of Midlands and Mashonaland West.

The MSD has warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm in 24 hours in some areas, which could lead to floods, rockfalls, and mudflows.

Residents have been advised to plan evacuation mechanisms, avoid open spaces, secure their homes from damaging winds, and stay informed through authentic updates from the MSD and the Department of Civil Protection (DCP).

The government has assured citizens that it is taking necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. The DCP is on high alert, and emergency services are ready to respond to any situations that may arise.

As Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, residents are advised to remain calm but vigilant. The government’s warning and advisory come as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and minimize damage.

Stay tuned for further updates on Cyclone Chido and its impact on Zimbabwe.