Chronicle Editor
Uzile Mkwananzi, Sunday News Reporter
THE consistent disbursement of devolution funds by the Second Republic has continued to ease lives in the rural communities of Gwanda District with a number of services having been brought to villagers’ doorsteps.
A number of developmental projects have been completed in the past year while some which are at various stages are yet to be completed this year as the Government moves to fulfil its desire of leaving no one and no place behind in the development agenda.
The district that has carried out several projects including building of schools, clinics, bridges, roads has set its sight on finishing all the incomplete projects.
In an interview with Sunday News, Gwanda Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Ranganai Sibanda said they have achieved life transforming milestone projects through devolution funds.
He said they were building three ECD blocks at Makokwe, Mahwange and Zhukwe Primary Schools to accommodate the learners most of whom were learning outside or under trees where they were exposed to the vagaries of harsh weather.
Mr Sibanda said the blocks were nearly complete and were only left with minor tasks for them to reach completion.
“The ECD classroom block at Makokwe Primary is only left with painting, for Zhukwe Primary plastering is currently in progress and is nearing completion while for Mahwange Primary, procurement for roofing material is in progress,” said Mr Sibanda.
He said they were also making improvements in the health sector with Mandongelwa Clinic already operating as a satellite facility.
“Mandongelwa is now complete and has since opened its doors to the community as a satellite clinic. This was done in the last quarter of 2023 and it is only awaiting commission. Garanyemba and Mashaba Clinic waiting mother’s shelters are also complete.
“At the Tshanyaugwe Clinic, the main clinic block is now 75 percent complete,” said Mr Sibanda.
The district seems to have limited water challenges as it has put in place several water access points and has made clean water easy to access.
Mr Sibanda said 58 boreholes were rehabilitated and 19 new ones drilled and fitted with pumps.
“We have since introduced piped water schemes in 12 schools to help avoid cholera outbreaks as schools are the ones at a higher risk. Khayelitsha in Collen Bawn has water bowsers hence water shortage challenges are limited and there is easy access to clean water for drinking as well.
“However, some areas have underground water that is not so easily accessible but plans have been put in place to solve the challenge,” he said.
The Gwanda Rural District CEO, however, said they were faced with challenges that hindered the vast developmental potential of the district.
He spoke of how low revenue was a challenge in the district. He also highlighted a shortage of road servicing equipment saying plans were afoot to ensure they acquire the equipment.
In the new year, the chief executive officer said they wanted to make sure that they finish all pending projects before embarking on new ones.
Mr Sibanda said they were currently focusing on the Tshanyaugwe Clinic that was not yet complete. He also mentioned that they were working on completing the Mzimuni High School girls hostel after which they would focus on new projects for the year 2024.
“Our plan is to finish pending projects before we embark on fresh ones for the year. It helps us take stock of what we are doing. If a classroom or clinic is not complete, learners are not benefiting.
“It can be at roof level but there is no impact to the community if it is not complete, so we want to ensure that all incomplete projects are finished first,” he said.
The devolution concept is a Constitutional provision that was actualised by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa and a number of communities nationally have benefited as it takes into account their development concerns and priorities.
It is funded by the Treasury.
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