adminBlessings Chidakwa in Bulawayo
Urban local authorities have indicated that they are raring to initiate and champion economic programmes in their respective areas under devolution using the funds being disbursed by central Government.
Implementation of devolution is in sync with Section (2) of the country’s Constitution where central Government should allow provincial councils to determine their development priorities.
This came up during the 78th Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe annual conference at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo last week.
The conference was running concurrently with the Local Government Investment Conference (LOGIC) under the theme “Urban local authorities: Embracing devolution towards attaining Vision 2030.”
Harare Mayor Councillor Herbert Gomba said his city was ready for the implementation of devolution.
“We are very ready, our parent ministry has been taking us through the processes of understanding it and capacitating us,” he said. “So, we are quite ready and hopeful that it will happen soon.
“Devolution is practical and not on paper as we have started receiving resources. It’s practical because money is coming our way. We must then help each other to come up with a real framework that meets our expectation, but the process has already started.
“Harare has received $2,6 million and also another $15 million. We have the necessary capacities. For example, in Harare we were given an official from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works working with our finance officials making them understand things such as project budgeting and handling of financial resources so we are very grateful and eager to go.”
Karoi Town chairman Mr Abel Matsika said the town was already enjoying the fruits of devolution.
Kadoma Mayor Councillor Action Nyamukondiwa also said the city has lined up major life changing projects which they will implement using devolution funds.
Online Reporter