Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT has made a commitment to complete legacy projects in Matabeleland South Province which played host to this year’s National Independence Day celebrations.
The legacy projects which Government is implementing include construction of classrooms, science laboratories, teachers’ houses, clinics, bridges and roads. Many of the projects were completed before the country celebrated its 46th Independence on the 18th of this month.
The Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Cde Albert Nguluvhe said ensuring timely completion of the legacy projects remains a top priority.
Government rolled out several projects covering sectors such as agriculture, education, health, transport, sport and the arts ahead of the hosting of the independence celebrations by Matabeleland South Province.
The projects are meant to boost the province’s economic growth thereby improving the people’s livelihoods.
Minister Nguluvhe said the legacy projects which have either been completed or are under construction in the province, are aligned to the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) which prioritises infrastructure development and improved social services as drivers of economic growth.
He said the projects will have far-reaching benefits for present and future generations.
Minister Nguluveh said he will work with all those involved in the implementation of the projects to ensure the outstanding projects are completed before the end of this year.
He said the target is to complete most of the remaining projects by November.
The legacy projects are part of the Government’s decentalisation strategy meant to ensure no place and no one is left behind as provinces take turns to host the National Independence Day celebrations.
Among the major outstanding legacy projects in Matabeleland South Province is the construction of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road which connects several districts and links important economic hubs such as the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) Antelope Estate, Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts and tourist attractions in the Matobo Hills area.
The completion of the road will significantly reduce travel time between Gwanda and surrounding districts, particularly Matobo district.
Government which in 2021 declared the country’s road network a state of disaster, has since then made significant progress in improving the state of the country’s roads.
Under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), Government has been allocating resources to local authorities in both urban and rural areas for roads rehabilitation.
Roads are critical for the movement of goods and as such we want to commend the Government for prioritising roads rehabilitation.
We want at this juncture to implore the private sector to complement Government efforts to improve the country’s road network.
It is encouraging that some companies have already made a commitment to fund reconstruction of some roads under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement. This is as it should because a good road network improves business efficiency and profitability.
