GOVERNMENT remains the largest funder of infrastructure development initiatives as it strives to develop the economic base.
However, there is need for the private sector, particularly the banking industry, to come on board and relieve pressure from government given the current economic climate.
Banks should partner their largest shareholders to finance huge developmental projects in the country.
Financing large projects requires in-depth analysis of the political, economic, social, technological, ecological and legal environment of a project to have a full understanding of the viability of the project and its socio-economic benefit to the nation.
Commercial banks play an important role in financing such development projects, providing long-term finance to address challenges such as load-shedding, and promoting industry jointly with public institutions.
The banks should make a significant contribution to the country’s infrastructural development and the associated industries linked to that development, which drive socio-economic development.
In Zambia, for example, over the last 60 years, Stanbic Bank has supported investments in massive infrastructure development spanning a wide range of sectors that include energy, agriculture, housing, mining, information and communications technology and retail.
This has been achieved by introducing banking solutions specifically created to support infrastructure investment by both small and large industry players.
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Financial institutions should believe in the country’s growth potential and should be committed to partnering the government and other stakeholders in realising this potential by providing fresh solutions to the country’s needs in terms of financing developmental projects.
For our country to realise its full potential, there is need for more investment in economically-relevant infrastructure.
More private sector firms need to step up to the challenge and play their part in the country’s development agenda because this is our home, we must drive its growth. -Revai Damba
Zanu PF must stop hiding behind sanctions
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa must listen to what the people are saying. We have had election disputes in Zimbabwe since time immemorial. They became more pronounced in 2000 when the late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai came onto the scene.
It is now in the public domain that whenever the ruling Zanu PF party is cornered, it sings the sanctions chorus.
I have a feeling that sanctions will be removed when government stops unlawful arrests, abductions and torture of opposition voices.
As long as we have human rights abuses, sanctions will remain in place.
We have been turned into squatters in foreign lands by those we voted for.
We are running away from poverty, bad governance, and a tanking economy.
I believe the targeted sanctions are directed to those who engage in corruption, violate human rights and undermine democratic institutions.
Those aiding, abetting and propping an oppressive brutal regime are the ones inviting sanctions on Zimbabwe. -Angry
Govt policies a mockery to youths
THE government has a reputation of producing policies that in most cases are too elitist in nature, have little involvement of the affected citizens and other key stakeholders like youth and civil society organisations. Their lack of inclusivity is one of the reasons why they fail.
There is simply no buy-in, there is a “theirs” feeling among citizens. Policies come as imposed documents that leave a lot to be desired. As a youth who is patriotic and loves his country, I was so disappointed to read the youth situational analysis from the National Development Strategy 1, specifically page 184 clause 135, in which government claims that most youths have not embraced the culture of hard work.
It is false and must be rephrased if the youths are to embrace it.
Youth are a valuable resource, especially if they are allowed to build and strengthen qualities that enable them to grow and flourish into responsible citizens. Government should avail resources and opportunities to the youths, instead of just accusing them of being lazy and dishonest.
Many degreed youths spend the day selling airtime and being on social media because they are not considered in nation building processes.
My question to Finance minister Mthuli Ncube is: “Who confessed to you that the youths have no culture of hard work?” Honourable minister and other respected officials, you should not lie to the nation about the youths.
Please may you retract that statement or rephrase it because we as youths have suffered because of your inconsistent policies, and lack of policy consistency. -Rangarirai Mwenza
