Local authorities have complained that centralisation of development is taking place in large urban areas segregating rural areas and smalls towns. The authorities made a complaint during the ongoing National Investment Policy, Special Economic Zones and Harmonisation of Investment laws workshop in Harare today.
A local government staff, who spoke during the workshop organised by the Ministry of Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Mrs Furamira said that the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) are not working on small local authorities but all development is in Bulawayo and Harare.
“We need to see development in small local authorities because that’s where people are,” said Furamira.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Dr Judith Katerera said, “Believe you me there are some places that have seen no development since 1980. I have visited such in Binga”.
During the workshop, the Principal Director in the Macro-Economic Planning Ministry, Retired Brigadier General Thando Madzvamuse said that the country’s economic growth trajectory has witnessed a continual downward trend ranging from a post-dollarisation peak of 11.4 percent in 2011 to as low as 0.4 percent in 2016.
This is despite the fact that Zimbabwe is endowed with many resources and manpower.
Furarima said, “There is no way local authorities can do business minus development”.
The government is carrying out the second phase of the 100 days of ease of doing business in a bid to lure investors. The Macro-Economic Planning Ministry is holding a workshop with various stakeholders to produce the National Investment Policy, Special Economic Zones and Harmonisation of Investment law.
The country that has been isolated from the international community and is under Western sanctions recently saw some political changes as a new President steps in giving hope for a new business atmosphere.
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