adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
BEITBRIDGE paramount chief Vho Stauze (David Mbedzi) has urged Government to capacitate the District Development Fund (DDF), which is facing a litany of service delivery challenges.
He said DDF was a key actor in pushing rural development and infrastructure, hence the need to boost its capacity to deliver.
Addressing delegates at a recent clean up event in Beitbridge, which was also attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, the traditional leader said the state of affairs at most the organisation’s premises was a cause for concern.
“I am pleading with the Government to resuscitate DDF, one of the key departments which plays a pivotal role in our lives, especially in the rural areas,” said Chief Stauze.
“They have been very instrumental in servicing roads, bridges, agriculture production, water and sanitation, but now they are crippled by resource shortages.
“In my view they need capacitation in terms of tractors and other equipment for them to bring back the glory days and deliver. We understand that some of their equipment has succumbed to wear and tear and needs to be replaced.
“It is also sad to note that we have a problem with access to portable water in some areas around our district and at the same time DDF is reportedly having challenges in moving borehole drilling equipment.”
The traditional leader also lambasted the high level of pollution at the local DDF district offices. Chief Stauze said other than general littering near the organisation’s premises, there was too much fine dust rising from opposite road and a truck park near the complex.
“We know things are bad, but our appeal is that Government allocates some funds to Beitbridge Municipality or DDF to pave roads around that area and employ proper environment management methods,” he said.
Online Reporter