Corruption free, key to accelerated implementation of Zim-Asset

Corruption is one of the obstacles that hinder economic development of any given nation. It is renowned as one of the greatest barriers to prosperity, economic competitiveness and development.

Corruption remains on the top of the list of issues of concern for the business community. Corruption, the world over sabotages economies and undermines political institutions to the detriment of any nation. Its most devastating impact is on investment. A corrupt country will scare away foreign investors who may want to do business locally.

By discouraging investment, corruption impedes economic growth. One school of thought noted that corruption hurts investment, in at least three ways. Firstly, it increases the cost of doing business, which then raises the threshold of revenue required for businesses to break even. Secondly, it causes producers to waste money bribing officials rather than invest in cost-saving technology or new products. Lastly, if public funds end up in the pockets of government officials, taxes will be higher and public investment lower, hurting economic growth.

As such, there is need for self-cleansing in all government departments and parastatals for the full implementation of the economic blue print, Zim-Asset. Good corporate governance practices should be encouraged in all government officials. Consequently, discouraging corruption should precede policy strategy formulations to achieve sustainable economic growth for all economies.

There are a number of projects in the country that are currently in progress, that need to be fully implemented for the nation to note the fruits of Zim-Asset. However, corruption has been fingered as hindering the completion of such projects. There is corruption taking place in most governmental arms and parastatals, for example in the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) where traffic police officers take bribes from motorists.

The results of corruption are often disastrous. While officially opening the 2015 Masvingo High Court Legal year recently, Justice Francis Bere noted that there was no legal frame work or any law that compels a motorist to pay a spot fine or which allows a police officer to impound someone's' vehicle.

"Section 356 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act chapter 9:07 compels the police to forthwith transmit all the documentation to do with the payment of spot fines to court for confirmation by the magistrate.

"All these provisions of the law are being flouted, with everyone watching helplessly whilst this illegality continues. There maybe no problems with the police operating as and extension of the Treasury, but if that is what is desired, then the legal framework must be put in a place to support such kind of behaviour" he noted.

Normally, when motorists refuse to pay spot fines, police officers ask for a small amount as a bribe. However, it is imperative to note that corruption has a direct effect on the growth of the economy. Corruption leads to reduced tax revenues. When tax collection is affected, there will be adverse budgetary consequences which will undermine the development of the country's economy.

Though the economy may not be performing to its capacity, police officers should execute their real police duties of law enforcement. Who will control these police officers if they are to continue breaking the laws? The responsible authorities must take decisive action and regulate these officers.