adminTakunda Maodza Manicaland Bureau Chief
GOVERNMENT has given Manicaland province $6 million for devolution, as it walks the talk on decentralisation to facilitate economic development across the country.
President Mnangagwa has put devolution on his development agenda and it is expected to spearhead economic transformation at the grassroots level after years of centralisation.
Addressing the Zanu-PF Manicaland Provincial Coordinating Committee at Marymount Teachers’ College last week, provincial administrator Mr Edgars Seenza said the money was given to all councils in Manicaland.
Some have already started utilising the funds, building infrastructure and other facilities.
“Under the five percent intergovernmental funding, this is what is referred to when we talk about funds meant for devolution. It is true that money was disbursed and was given to local authorities. Each and every council got the funds,” said Mr Seenza.
He gave a breakdown on how much councils in Manicaland got and projects they had initiated.
“City of Mutare was given $4 61 000 for this year, Rusape Town Council $91 000, Chipinge Town Council $88 500, Buhera Rural District Council $1 770 000, Chimanimani Rural District Council $550 000, Chipinge Rural District Council $1 175 000, Makoni Rural District Council $1 165 000, Mutasa Rural District Council $677 500, Mutare Rural District Council $1 050 000, Nyanga Rural District Council $575 000,” said Mr Seenza.
“As Manicaland Province we will get $6 630 000.”
Mr Seenza said the province was yet to get the full amount as the funds were coming in tranches.
“For example, Buhera was given $1 770 000 and they have so far used $765 857,” he said. “They used the money to procure road construction equipment and to build a clinic which is now 88 percent complete.”
Chimanimani Rural District Council is yet to be allocated funds as Government is assessing their needs considering the effects of Cyclone Idai which destroyed infrastructure in the district.
Chipinge Rural District Council got $1 175 000 and they have so far used $913 900.
The council bought an excavator, front- end loader, is furnishing schools, drilled two boreholes and are going to buy motorbikes to monitor developments in the area.
“Then Checheche Clinic staff house is now 35 percent complete. These are the reports that we have but we will go on the ground to see the developments,” explained Mr Seenza.
Makoni Rural District Council got $1 165 000 and has so far spent $1 079 000.
They bought a truck to carry timber as they are into timber business.
The council also used part of the money to survey land at Headlands so that residents can have title deeds.
Mutare Rural District Council received $1 050 000, but has not yet used the money.
“They are in the process of tendering,” said Mr Seenza. “They told us that their allocation came late causing the delay. They want to buy a grader and tipper truck. They also intend to build five classroom blocks.”
Mutasa Rural District Council was given $677 500 and utilised $245 000.
They are, among other projects, building a clinic and a bridge while Chipinge Town Council has used $68 900.
Mutare City got $461 000 and had spent about $338 000, on street lights and water meters.
Online Reporter