It's important for people to know their history because it unites them.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, I would like to thank you very much for standing shoulder to shoulder with us during these trying times.

We would like people who will judiciously manage the forests and ensure the nation remains self-sufficient in its timber requirements.

We expect the local authority to supervise and give technical advice to the beneficiaries to ensure that standards are maintained and, thus, not derail the initial intentions of Operation Restore Order through ensuring that safe, neat and durable houses are built.

We therefore urge the local authority to be innovative and forge partnerships with the private sector for the purpose of joint ventures in the provision of housing to those in need of accommodation.

Grading also encourages the maintenance of services as well as providing a strong incentive for constant improvement as it is an obvious inducement for operators to render good service all the time and not just occasionally. A national grading system allows for our accommodation sector to compete in the worldwide accommodation standards system as it provides a means by which our facilities can be ranked and compared with others. A grading system adds legitimacy to a country's standing and is proof of Government's permanent concern over the standards of services offered.