Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT departments must lead the drive towards meeting development targets in Matabeleland South Province in line with Vision 2030 aspirations of transforming livelihoods.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said this yesterday during the Provincial Development Committee (PDC) meeting held in Bulawayo where he stressed the importance of hard work and delivering on development promises to the masses.
Minister Nguluvhe said through devolution, provinces have been empowered to craft their own development agenda hence heads of department must never display a laissez-faire approach.
“We have been given the mandate to decide what is good for the province. We don’t expect the President to come down and actually supervise and co-ordinate us in our work. That is what is meant by devolution,” he said.
“As long as you work within the mandate and as per NDS1 guideline, you have not diverted.” Minister Nguluvhe also challenged the heads of departments to consult people on development projects to be embarked on, saying imposition of projects will not be tolerated.
“Let the projects emanate from the people on the grassroots. We don’t have to impose projects to the people. Let’s consult everyone before we embark on developmental projects,” he added.
“People want service delivery but we cannot deliver without involving them. I want this province to move like any other province, but when we do it we need equity.
“When we say no place should be left behind — why Beitbridge should have 70 boreholes and Mangwe have 20? Is that not leaving other people behind?
“We are like a small Cabinet of Matabeleland South, which must decide how we should progress,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He challenged the notion that the Matabeleland South province was least in terms of contributing to national economy when it contributes 40 percent of gold delivery to Fidelity Gold Refinery.
With some of the biggest borders in the country in the name of Beitbridge and Plumtree, Minister Nguluvhe said the province’s economy must be up.
“I am not going to be part and parcel with failures, no one will be attacked by anyone for doing the right thing and you have my protection,” he said.
“When the programme says we start at 8:30am it must start at that time. The issue of laissez-faire is a gone chapter to me. When we are servant people let us serve them in time.
“Let’s deliver services to people so that they are satisfied. I will give you all the political support you require,” said the minister.
He said the PDC plays an important role in the development of the province and addressing challenges, urging provincial heads to help create opportunities for all people.
“The work of this committee is indeed essential for several reasons. It enables us to align our development priorities with the needs and aspiration of our communities.
“It also fosters a culture of collaboration and co-ordination among stakeholders, ensuring that our efforts are complimentary and effective.
“Finally it provides a platform for innovative thinking and problem solving, allowing us to address complex development challenges in holistic and sustainable manner,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
During the meeting, various clusters gave reports of developments that have happened in the first half of the year and challenges faced in achieving the targets.
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