Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has so far released ZiG$1,8 billion to local authorities in Matabeleland South under the devolution programme, enabling councils to complete critical infrastructure projects that are improving service delivery and transforming communities across the province.
The province has been allocated ZiG$1,2 billion under this year’s devolution programme. In addition, Government availed US$2,3 million under the 46th Independence Day Legacy Projects Programme, resulting in the completion of 43 development projects. Since the introduction of devolution in 2019, a total of 188 projects have been initiated across Matabeleland South.
Some projects had stalled due to funding constraints, but additional resources made available through the hosting of the 45th Independence celebrations in the province accelerated their completion.
Presenting the regional development, inclusivity through devolution and decentralisation thematic committee report during a recent Matabeleland South Provincial Development Committee meeting, the province’s deputy director of
Local Government, Mr Simon Muleya, said the completed projects span education, health, roads, water infrastructure and local authority capacity building.
“Projects that have been implemented this year using devolution funds are as follows: under Beitbridge Municipality, there is the development of Makhado Primary School and Mabidi Clinic. Gwanda Municipality purchased equipment for Phakama Primary School and constructed an administration block at the school,” he said.
“Bulilima Rural District Council installed street lighting in Figtree and purchased road equipment, while Gwanda Rural District Council is constructing Tshanyaugwe Clinic and Mzimuni Girls’ Hostel. Mangwe Rural District Council projects include construction of Greystone Primary School, Marula Secondary School and laboratories at three secondary schools. The local authority also purchased yellow machinery, among other projects.”
Matobo Rural District Council completed Nhlupho, Sigangatsha and Ratanyana clinics and procured yellow machinery, while Umzingwane Rural District Council constructed Nsezi Secondary School, classroom blocks at
Bayethe and Godlwayo primary schools and acquired service vehicles.
Insiza Rural District Council completed a stadium in Filabusi, Bekezela Community Hall, Filabusi landfill, Bekezela township access roads and several other projects, all of which are awaiting commissioning.
Mr Muleya said since 2019, devolution funding had supported the construction of 50 clinics, 55 health-related projects, 35 infrastructure projects involving roads, bridges and sewer systems, 36 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects and about 12 tourism projects, with outstanding works at various stages of completion.
He said some local authorities had supplemented Government allocations using their own resources to accelerate project completion and improve service delivery.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, commended Government’s continued support through the devolution programme and urged councils to prioritise investment in yellow machinery.
“We thank Government for the devolution programme, which has helped to capacitate local authorities and equip them to ensure improved service delivery. Several infrastructure development programmes such as construction of schools and clinics have been rolled out across the province thanks to the devolution funds,” he said.
“Some local authorities have gone on to purchase yellow machinery, which has helped them render improved services in road maintenance, servicing residential stands and refuse collection, among others. I urge all local authorities to follow this route to meet minimum service delivery requirements.”
Gwanda mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, said devolution funding had significantly eased pressure on council resources.
“This town is rapidly growing and enrolment at existing schools had become too high. We needed to construct a new school and devolution funding came in handy. We were able to build Phakama Primary School, which has helped decongest other schools,” he said
“We have also expanded the school by constructing an administration block and purchasing furniture for a second classroom block.”
The devolution programme has become one of Government’s flagship initiatives under the Second Republic, allowing local authorities to undertake development projects based on community priorities while improving accountability and decentralising decision-making.
Under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), devolution is expected to drive inclusive and balanced socio-economic development by strengthening local governance, improving access to essential public services and reducing regional development disparities.
The programme also advances President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”, with councils using the funds to construct schools, clinics, roads, bridges, water infrastructure and other public facilities that directly improve the quality of life in communities across the country.
NDS2 identifies devolution and decentralisation as one of the key enablers for attaining Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy through inclusive, sustainable and people-centred development.
— @DubeMatutu
