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LOCAL authorities have called for inclusivity on urban development agendas under the new Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing currently under restructuring. This was highlighted last Thursday during a two-day Urban Development Corporation economic development and strategic planning workshop for local authorities held in Mutare.
Masvingo Town Clerk Mr Adolf Gusha raised the issue during the deliberations when he said that in past years, despite having urban development strategies for their respective cities, local authorities were sometimes sidelined by Central Government. He cited how Masvingo’s economy was sustained by the beef industry for employment creation when the Cold Storage Company was at its peak but present-day things were at a stand-still.
“We have had challenges in the past as local authorities when Central Government’s agendas would override us. But under the current restructuring in the Ministry, we are upbeat to see major changes including increased dialogue and more inclusivity on developmental agendas in our respective cities with Central Government,” said Mr Gusha.
Mutare City Council town clerk Mr Obert Muzawazi concurred saying in Mutare his council had envisioned turning the city into a diamond city with land for the trade already earmarked, but Central Governments decisions were divergent.
“As a local authority in Mutare, we had put plans and structures in place to tap into the diamond industry from Chiadzwa diamonds and turn Mutare into a diamond city but Government’s decisions were a big negation to our plans and we lost out to the Diamond Technology Centre built in Mt Hampden. “So in some cases as local authorities our hands are tied despite having economic development plans for our respective cities,” said Mr Muzawazi.
The debate emanated from a presentation on local economic development as an opportunity for local authorities growth. Mr Gusha however expressed renewed optimism in the current restructuring in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, which has seen Rural District Councils now falling under a different ministry.
Online Reporter