Shabait.com (Asmara)
25 September 2007
Massawa — Before concluding its meeting in Massawa today, the Eritrean Cabinet of Ministers held extensive discussions on accomplishments in development endeavors over the last 9 months. It discussed sector by sector the work accomplishments of the different government institutions as part of the implementation process of programs drawn up for 2007.
In connection with efforts towards achieving food security, the meeting discussed progress made in the implementation of small, medium and large-scale agricultural development projects, as well as the situation of farm plots in different parts of the country. It noted that satisfactory rainfall distribution this year has opened promising prospects for a bumper harvest. It further conducted exchange of views on ways of combating locust swarms and other infestations and stressed the need for effective follow-up of programs mapped out to this end.
The meeting also reviewed the work programs charted for upgrading the development of the fisheries sector as part of the endeavors being made to achieve food security. The discussions included plans to improve traditional fishing methods, developing industrial fishing activities, and the realization of programs to develop active partnership in the marketing of fish products. The Ministerial Cabinet meeting also held deliberations on the future work programs to develop infrastructure and marketing facilities in the sector.
Also in the domain of work programs of the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, the meeting assessed the accomplishments registered in land distribution and utilization programs, the draft program on water policy and studies made on the coordinated administration of water resources. Moreover, the Ministerial Cabinet session held discussions on the progress made in programs to ensure the equitable distribution of portable water supply in both urban and rural areas of the country. In this regard, the meeting expressed satisfaction over the encouraging achievements scored so far and recommended that more efforts be made to realize the set goals.
Regarding the tourism sector, the meeting of the Ministerial Cabinet reviewed the tasks accomplished and programs ahead in setting up service facilities in those parts of the country endowed with major tourist attractions. It made an in-depth assessment of the prospects for developing the nation's tourism potential and promoting skilled manpower resources for the sector, as well as familiarization programs on national tourist attractions as part of efforts to make optimal use of Eritrea's tourism potentials.
Similarly, the meeting assessed work accomplishments in the field of infrastructure development. It took note of the gratifying achievements registered in the expansion of road facilities, housing construction and the development of water resources, among others. The meeting further held discussions on studies undertaken and the surveys made, as well as control measures devised in connection with the implementation of future infrastructure development programs.
Regarding trade and industrial activities, as well as markets, the discussion conducted by the Ministerial Cabinet meeting focused on the initiatives taken to raise the productivity in increasing food production, reduce imports and boost export capacities, and develop agro-industries. It stressed the need to closely follow up programs to attain equitable commercial activities, especially towards meeting the basic needs of the public in basic commodities and services.
In the field of energy and mines, the Ministerial Cabinet held discussions on the efforts being made to ensure the provision of supply of energy, gas and electricity at the family and industrial level. It further took note of the endeavors being made to expand the supply of electricity in both urban and rural areas, as well as activities made to harness the nation's mining resources. The meeting also assessed work achievements in these domains. Besides, the meeting held extensive discussion on ways of ensuring the effectiveness of studies being undertaken towards price control mechanisms.
Regarding activities in land transportation, maritime, aviation and communication services, the meeting held in-depth deliberations on the plans mapped out in the domains of human resource development, strengthening telephone services, both with landline and mobile lines, as well as boosting postal and internet services. Furthermore, the meeting assessed the action plans drawn up in ensuring smooth and efficient transportation services in all corners of the country, adopting appropriate regulations in this sphere, controlling accidents, and putting in place the infrastructure required.
The Ministerial Cabinet also held discussions in the finance sector, particularly in the domains of budget administration, the work of the Customs Department, the collection of tax revenue, ensuring smooth finance services and thoroughly reviewed plans implemented. Accordingly, the meeting discussed the preparation of the budget for 2008, computerizing payrolls, revising the existing amount of duty and sales taxes, financial rules and regulations, changing the Customs Department's operational system and the progress registered in opening finance offices in all parts of the country.
As regards the work done by the Ministry of National Development, the Cabinet of Ministers held deliberations on ways of executing research undertaken to promote the five-year national development strategy in accordance with the set goals of ensuring social justice, in line with the National Charter. The five-year working plan incorporates infrastructure development, promoting productive industrial establishments and social sector institutions, institutional capacity building and human resource development, as well as promoting a statistical and demographic information system. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers discussed and drafted plans for integrating the five-year national development strategy with collected national data.
In the information sector, the meeting looked into the progress made and the activities being undertaken towards upgrading the technical effectiveness in diversifying coverage through introducing advanced equipment in line with the unremitting efforts made in upgrading human resource capacity. The Ministerial Cabinet further assessed the information and propaganda campaigns being disseminated through mass media organs and their impact as a driving force to the national development drive, as well as in combating psychological warfare.
Noting the effectiveness of the Eritrean media in highlighting the correct and legitimate stance of Eritrea in regional politics, the meeting took note of the fact that the TPLF regime's move to jam Eritrean media outlets is an indication of the strength and impact of the national media. The Cabinet of Ministers also pointed out that the national media outlets have amply challenged and foiled all the campaigns disseminated by enemy quarters aimed at creating a gap between the Government and the people, as well as to tarnish Eritrea's image under the pretext of terrorism. The meeting further stressed that the Ministry of Information needs to pursue its right track and serve as a credible source of information, in addition to discussing the Ministry's work programs.
After reviewing the status of current social services being provided, particularly in efforts exerted to enhance the vitality of educational services, the Cabinet of Ministers reached the conclusion that as a result of these ongoing efforts, growth in educational participation, particularly in the case of girls and young children, has been realized. The Cabinet went on to discuss at length major programs aimed at reducing the dropout rate to a minimum, improving teaching and supervision mechanisms, and securing better provision of books and facilities both for teachers and students. Asserting that education is not only a basic right of citizens but a decisive impetus to development, the Cabinet of Ministers agreed that increased efforts are required in order to ensure the smooth and effective running of the national educational curriculum.
Indicating that the activities carried out by the Government involving substantial expenditure in social welfare, especially in taking care of the families of fallen heroes, war-disabled nationals, demobilized ex-fighters, famine victims, IDPs, orphans and others with social ills, the Cabinet of Ministers assessed the work accomplished in alleviating these problems. The meeting concluded that the different programs underway in demobilizing needy citizens, such as through extending non-interest loans so as to become productive citizens, are registering significant outcome. Looking into the efforts exerted in introducing and securing the continuity of community-based rehabilitation programs for the disabled in all regions, the Cabinet of Ministers discussed future work plans.
In its discussion regarding the provision of legal services through formal and community magistrates, the meeting commended these courts as they are enabling the society to settle their cases amicably, thus saving time and expense. In-depth discussion was also conducted regarding the future programs to keep up such developments in terms of reinforcing the speedy administration of justice. Following briefings on the strategic plan for the year 2008 concerning institutional development of the legal system and raising the awareness of the society in legal matters, the Cabinet of Ministers gave the necessary guidelines.
The Cabinet of Ministers concluded its two-day meeting giving work directives on political, economic, social and development plans.
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