Zimbabweans await Mugabe's state of the nation address

Zimbabweans say they are looking forward to President Robert Mugabe's state of the nation's address tomorrow, which they expect to set the tone on bread and butter issues.

With job losses being on everyone's lips, Zimbabweans said the President's speech must touch on the  issues of job dismissals which has seen thousands losing their jobs through termination of employment letters.

In Harare, people said there is need to also ensure that funding for income generating projects is availed for those starting their business.

In Bulawayo, residents said key economic issues should be under the spotlight given the distressed state of industry.

For vendors, their plea is for the President to look into the confiscation of their wares by municipal police.

The vendors also said they need to be allocated bays at profitable selling points.

The issue of housing is also of concern to the residents of Bulawayo, given that the city`s housing backlog keeps ballooning.

In Matabeleland North Province, people expect Cde Mugabe to tackle issues of food security, farming inputs for the 2015/2016 summer cropping season and as well as allocation of land to women.

Resettled farmers however expressed concern that they lack access to basic services as they are forced to travel long distances to the nearest health centres while their children walk long distances to schools.

The province faces a number of challenges which include shortage of irrigation schemes to improve agricultural activities, food security and issues of human wildlife conflict among others.

Generally, Zimbabweans are optimistic that President Mugabe will deliver a state of the nation address that gives hope to the nation as he is a visionary leader who understands the challenges being experienced by ordinary people and the economy.