Devolution brings cheer to Manicaland

Wallace Ruzvidzo

MANICALAND has since 2019 received more than $1,2 billion, which has gone towards funding over 200 developmental projects in the province under the devolution programme.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Nokuthula Matsikenyere told The Sunday Mail that the funding had spurred development in the province. “To date, we have spent a total of $1 202 660 347,03 to implement various projects in the province.

“Presently, we are undertaking over 200 projects that are being implemented, covering road construction, water and sanitation, health facilities, rehabilitation of schools and construction of social amenities such as building market stalls, and capacity building of local authorities,” she said.

Minister Matsikenyere said the devolution programme was improving the lives of people in remote areas by facilitating access to basic services.

“We have managed to see through capacity building of local authorities such as the digitisation of the Chipinge Rural District Council offices and acquire service vehicles. Currently, the projects are at various stages of completion and about 30 percent of the total have been completed, while the rest are at various stages of implementation.

“Devolution has helped improve infrastructure such as roads, through gravelling and regrading.”

She said the Rimai-Checheche Road in Chipinge has been rehabilitated.

“The health facilities have improved. We have purchased ambulances and road maintenance equipment.”

Mutare Rural District Council, she added, had procured a road grader.

“We have also constructed amenities such as market stalls at the Nyanga bus terminus and Hotsprings clinic in Chimanimani.”

The funds, said Minister Matsikenyere, were, however, inadequate as less than 50 percent of the province’s allotment had been disbursed.

“We are, however, calling for the total disbursements of the allocated amount and also an increase of the allocation by 10 percent of the total amount.”