by Gretinah Machingura

HARARE, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday presented the State of the Nation Address (SONA) which also marked the opening of the Fourth Session of the Ninth Parliament of Zimbabwe.

In a televised address from State House, Mnangagwa paid tribute to Zimbabweans for their resilience in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Western sanctions, among other adversities.

"I sincerely congratulate the people of our great nation for their unity and fortitude as well as the hard-working culture which they continue to demonstrate. This has seen us realize unprecedented milestones and successes, against all forms of adversity," he said.

"I, however, call upon all of us to heighten our determination with regards to continued vaccinations in order to meet our desired national herd immunity target," Mnangagwa said.

He said the government was buoyed by the positive economic outlook this year, which should help to spur national development.

"My administration is buoyed by the upward growth trajectory of our economy. This year's projections indicate an over 7.8 percent economic growth," he said.

"The higher predictions are premised on the good 2020/21 agriculture season, firm international mineral commodity prices, stable inflation and exchange rate as well as the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic," Mnangagwa said.

He said the successes being recorded by the country are against the backdrop of the continuing illegal economic sanctions by the West, imposed at the turn of the century when the country embarked on its land reform program.

"The sanctions have a deleterious impact on our economy. We, therefore, reiterate our calls for their urgent and unconditional removal," Mnangagwa said.

Mnangagwa said the rising number of young people undertaking thriving farming businesses throughout the country is commendable and "this new crop of young farmers assure us that the land which we fought for, will remain in safe hands, for posterity".

Agriculture productivity was encouraging, with two key cash crops performing beyond expectation this year, he said.

This year, cumulative tobacco sales exceeded 210.9 million kg, with export earnings surpassing 589.6 million U.S. dollars. Cotton production also increased by 100 percent to 92,000 metric tonnes.

Mnangagwa said investments in the energy sector will be increased to meet demand from growing economic activity.

"The current economic rebound and increased productivity have seen increasing demand for electricity and fuel. In light of this, my government has redoubled its efforts to complete and commission Unit 7 and 8 at Hwange Power Station. Other renewable energy augmentation projects, inclusive of solar power generation countrywide, are equally on course," Mnangagwa said.

The government will continue to prioritize capital spending to boost infrastructure development and the entry of Qatar Airways to further link Zimbabwe with Middle East markets was a welcome development, Mnangagwa said.

Zimbabwe is participating at the Dubai Expo 2021, running until March 2022, as the country continues to seek new frontiers for investment and trade, Mnangagwa said.

Turning to the legislative agenda for the Fourth Session of the Ninth Parliament, Mnangagwa said the Parliament is expected to complete the alignment of laws to the new Constitution during the Fourth Session.

"Of the existing statutes which required to be aligned to the Constitution, it is pleasing that only 42 statutes remain to be enacted under the alignment process. These must be completed during this session," Mnangagwa said.

Zimbabwe adopted a new Constitution in 2013 and there were about 400 pieces of legislation that needed to be aligned.

Several bills relating to the enhancement of labor rights and service delivery in the health, education, justice and media sectors will also be considered during the Fourth Session, he said.

The Parliament will also consider legislation relating to the implementation of the devolution agenda, among other bills.

"For the remainder of this year, and going into 2022, let there be a common desire to prioritize the enactment of laws which reflect and give impetus to the developmental aspirations of our people," Mnangagwa said. Enditem

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